LIBRA R.Y OF THE U N I VF.RSITY OF ILLINOIS 977.333 ?Q3& MOB BTOMCU WttO D 2 ' A ^fEE^-m i\5*C3- -*r~*h >7T7 ^ri L _£A^i.l If \91E^lrJ$ [ ^W^ £«3i»— ■ t©5 V ■w--^f*t»' ' " i " ' ' '■ 1 1 ii i ti 1 1 ■ rm n 1 1 n i ■ i i . : :.i i : i\i 'i 1 1 1 . n i . i . n i : 1 1: . ii . «^ff RKCORD M* ■opr -OF- lJ ...a rjotzpm (Q.ountvf? jfelhnoi CONTAINING Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens OF THE COUNTY, Together with Biographies of all the tovernors of the itate, and of the Presidents OF THE UNITED STHTES, sj \7 CHICAGO: BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY. 1891.E mm ($t p- ski pi^Ep/*(?E. ^>£> +<>-f- <5tf— UK greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and oneof the most brilliant writers of the present century, has said : '-The history of a country is best told ina record of the lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Portrait and Biographical Record Of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among those comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli- gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy hare accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued '"the even tenor of their way,' - content to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done what they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's call went forth valiantly '-to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after. Coming generations will appreciate tin's volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them- selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph- ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. The faces of tome, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of business. Chicago, October, 1891. CHAPMAN BKOS. 9^3827 '" r ( ®iKM m i?A T*5*^*'^lwp 1 ^* 5 * ; *^ i *- $ Oa ^ FIRST PRESIDENT. i'..'i •■.■>V'iV 1 r , ,.'r , .' 1 •.,'."..» r'.,v..vv>'i':,v > ..'i , ..'X'<, , v :^r>> :,<.:■,' .•,'.•,••;'•'.'•,'; ,' ; ? ;. i'.77«J*^ »MftB WASHINCTO&., HE Father of our Country was w) bom in Westmorland Co., Va., a Feb. 22, 1732. His parents ^ were Augustine and Mary (Ball) Washington. The family to which he belonged has not been satisfactorily traced in England. His great-grand- father, John Washington, em- igrated to Virginia about 1657, and became a prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence and John. The former married Mildred Warner and had three children, John, Augustine and Mildred. Augus- tine, the father of George, fiist married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached maturity. Of six children by his second marriage, George was the eldest, the others being Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and Mildred. Augustine Washington, the father of George, died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, and to George he left the parental residence. George received only such education as the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a short time after he left school, when lie received private instruction in mathematics. His spelling was rather defective Remarkable stories are told of his great physica= strength and development at an early age. He was an acknowledged leader among his companions, and was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. When George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, but through the opposition of his mother the idea was abandontd. Two years later he was appointed surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business he spent three years in a rough frontier life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very essential to him. In 175 1, though only 19 years of age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of major in the Virginia militia, then being trained fot active service against the French and Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter who did not long survive him. On her demise the estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten- ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey was to be made without militarv escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The GEORGE WASHINGTON. ;rip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was then begun against the French and Indians, in which Washington took a most important part. In the memorable event of July 9, 1755. known as Brad- dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock were disabled early in the action, and Washington alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter to his brother he says : "I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped unhurt, though death was leveling my companions on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit him. After having been five years in the military service, and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an active and important part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John Parke Custis. When the British Parliament had closed the port if Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- delphia,Sept. 5, r774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and responsible office was conferred upon Washington, who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he receive no salary. He would keep an exact account of expenses and expect Congress 10 pay them and nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the fortunes and liberties of the people of this country 1 were so long confided. The war was conducted by him under ever}' possible disadvantage, and while his forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting address of surpassing beauty, lesigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the army to to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all connection with public life. In February, 1 789, Washington was unanimously elected President. In his presidential career he was subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a hew government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part of other governments ; trials from want of harmony between the different sections of our own country; trials from the impoverished condition of the country, owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and while perhaps this alone kept our government from sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and very annoying. At the expiration of his first term he was unani- mously re-elected. At the end of this term many were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- clepty he returned to his home, hoping to pass there his few remaining yeais free from the annoyances of public life. Later in the year, however, his repose seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to take command of the armies. He chose his sub- ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- ters in the field, which he superintended from his home. In accepting the command he made the reservation that he was not to be in the field until it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations his life was suddenly cut off. December 1 2, he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- teenth his body was borne with military honors to its final resting place, and interred in the family vault at Mount Vernon. Of the character of Washington it is impossible to speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- miration. The more we see of the operations of our government, and the more deeply we feel the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- ent and character, which have been able to challenge the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will be as lasting as the existence of man. The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect and well proportioned. His muscular strength was great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry. He commanded respect without any appearance of haughtiness, and ever serious without b^iug dull. OF THE Wz J^mid SECOND PRESIDENT. .-.aA.'Hri al®- xfJgS/% Y Y ¥ * V ¥V'^"+"**+ , TV'¥**+"+''¥*+- ¥ V V * ': * * WWWW W V ¥ ? V V Y Y jJi lfgMb-g* ^A^^iC.t. .t .t. .t. .t „t.t ,t&A.t .t.,.t .t, -f.-t -t. .■fe.t.t-t. .t .t. .t.,.t. A.t-t, .y^^.,t..t.,-fcjM^A^t „t-..t •y-.t •V ^r^^a ^^^ts^' -««*; ►—(s, ' ---3-< »»»- OHN ADAMS, the second L President and the first Vice- jf President of the United States, was born in Braintree ( now Quincy),Mass., and about ten i "-'- miles from Boston, Oct. ig, 1735. His great-grandfather, Henry Adams, emigrated from England about 1640, with a family of eight 1 sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of John were John and Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His father was a farmer of limited means, to which he added the bus- iness of shoemaking. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical educa- tion at Harvard College. John graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 'school of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the study of law. For this purpose he placed himself under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He had thought seriously of the clerical profession but seems to have been turned from this by what he termed "the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- jils, cf diabolical malice, and CaKanistic good nature," of the operations of which he had been a witness in his native town. He was well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- tive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in 1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a lady cf superior intelligence. Shortly after his marriage, (17^5), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial steps toward holdir. a a town meeting, and the resolu- tions he offered on the subject became very populai throughout the Province, and were adopted word for word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- lislature) in 1770. Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- vocated the movement for independence against the majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies should assume the duties of self-government. He was a prominent member of the committee of five appointed June n, to prepare a declaration of inde- pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but on Adams devolved the task of battling it through Congress in a three days debate. On the day after the Declaration of Independence was passed, while his soul was yet warm with thj glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy. " Yesterday," he says, " the greatest question was decided that ever was debated in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil be decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, ' that these United States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows. 24 JOHN ADAMS. games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward for ever. You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can seethe rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not. In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money from the French Government. This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 1779. In September of the same year he was again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet might be found willing to listen to such pioposels. He sailed for France in November, from there he went to Holland, where he negotiated important loans and formed important commercial treaties. Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he was advised to go to England to drink the waters of Bath. While in England, still drooping anddespond- ing, he received dispatches from his own government urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,hemade the trip. February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face to face the King of England, who had so long re- garded him as a traitor. As England did not condescend to appoint a minister to the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom- plishing but little, he sought permission to return to his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. When Washington was first chosen President, John Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again at the second election of Washington as President, Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President, though not without much opposition. Serving in this office four years,he was succeeded by Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, and it was upon this point which he was at issue with the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the class of atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- iginated the alienation between these distinguished men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- ised, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies were with England and Jefferson led the other in sympathy with France. The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling had died away, and he had begun to receive that just appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till after death. No one could look upon his venerable form, and think of what he had done and suffered, and how he had given up all the prime and strength of his life to the public good, without the deepest emoti'cyufof "gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar good fortune to witness the complete success of the institution which he had been so active in creating and supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest station in the gift of the people. The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the signers of that immortal instrument left upon the earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is well known, on that day two of these finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- dependence forever." When the day was ushered in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all." In the course of the day he said, " It is a great and glorious day." The last words he uttered were, " Tefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- signed his spirit into the hands of his God. The personal appearance and manners of Mr. Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face, as his portrait manifests,was intellectual ard expres- sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and h' c . manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, not the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked the manners and address of Tefferson. UWVERSI :■?<- ;-e#T ; THIRD PRESIDENT. 27 HOMAS JEFFERSON was born April 2, 1743, at Shad- pwell, Albermarle county, Va. His parents were Peter and Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, and the latter born in Lon- don. To them were born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas was the elder. When 14 years of age his father died. He received a most liberal education, hav- been kept diligently at school from the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he entered William end Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion and splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he -.vas earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- able in his morals. It is strange, however, under such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec- ond year of his college course, moved by some un- explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out of the city and back again. He tints attained very high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. Immediately upon leaving college he began the study of law. For the short time he continued in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for greater action. The policy of England had awakened the spirit of resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses In 1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, time was a majestic swell of land, ca'led Monticello, which commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected (or his new home; and here he reared a mansion of modest ye* elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon became the most distinguished resort in our land. In 1775 he was sent to the Cclonial Congress where, though a silent member, his abilities as a writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he was placed 141011 a number of important committees, and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw- ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams. Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 177 G What must have been the feelings of that 28 THOMAS JEFFERSON. man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- laration, which, while.it made known the wrongs of America, was also to publish her to the world, free, lioverign and independent. It is one of the most re- markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to Momicello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never very good, was much injured by this excitement, and in the summer of 1782 she died. Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo- tentiary to France. Returning to the United States in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned Jan. j, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- dent, and four years later was elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, and George Clinton, Vice President. The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con- spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a military expedition intc the Spanish territories on our southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there a new republic. This has been generally supposed was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been generally known what his real plans were, there is no doubt that they were of a far more dangerous character. In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined to retire from political life. For a period of nearly forty years, he had been continually before the pub- ,ic, and all that time had been employed in offices of the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de- voted the best part of his life to the service of his country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his declining years required, and upon the organization of the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole families came in their coaches with their horses, — fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and nurses, — and remained three and even six months. Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a fashionable watering-place. The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- sary of the Declaration of American Independence. great preparations were made in every part of th.' Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity 01 the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framet. and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and had been continually increasing, compelled him to decline the invitation. On the second of July, the disease under which he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced state that his medical attendants, entertained nc hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the nex*. day, which was Monday, he asked of those around him, the day of the month, and on being told it was the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish tha he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - the day which his own name and his own act had rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and festivities pf a whole nation, who looked up to him, as tfycr author, under God, of their greatest blessings, was all that- was^vanting to fill up the record his life. Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- ate Sniggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and animated their desponding countrymen; for half a century they had labored together for tiie good of the country; and now hand in hand they depart. In their lives they had been united in the same great cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not divided. In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes were light, his hair originally red, in after life became white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore- head broad, and his whole courtenance intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as well as personal courage; and :.:s command of tem- per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends never recollected to have seen him in a passion. His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic ; and his language was remarkably pure and correct. He was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is discernable the care with which he formed his style upon the best mode's of antiquity. LIBRARY OF THE J (ZA*s- ' ' ^^ iti-^^-l &~K FOURTH FRF SI DENT. OTes nipisoi). AMES MADISON, "Father of the Constitution/' and fourth President of the United States, was born March 16, 1757, and died at his home in Virginia, ' s ®' June 28, 1836. The name of James Madison is inseparably con- nected with most of the important events in that heroic period of our country during which the founda- tions of this great republic were laid. He was the last of the founders of the Constitution of the United States to be called to his eternal reward. The Madison family were among the early emigrants to the New World, landing upon the shores of the Chesa- peake but 15 years after the settle- ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine es- tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co., Va. The mansion was situated in the midst of scenery highly pictur- esque and romantic, on the west side of South-west Mountain, at the foot of Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and political attachment existed between these illustrious men, from their early youth until death. The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to study with the most im- prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor of constitution. He graduated in 177 1, with a feeble body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning which embellished and gave proficiency to hissubsf quent career. Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. This educational course, the spirit of the times in which he lived, and the society with which he asso- ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work ot a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of mind, and his frail health leading him to think that his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mind singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed all the arguments for and against revealed religion, until his faith became so established as never to be shaken. In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to frame the constitution of the State. The next year (1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and consequently lost his election ; but those who had witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to the Executive Council. Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained member of the Council ; and their appreciation 01 hin 32 JAMES MADISON. intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 1780, he was elected a member of the Continental Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of The most conspicuous positions among them. For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con- gress, one of its most active and influential members. In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- tional government, with no power to form treaties which would be binding, or to enforce law. There was not any State more prominent than Virginia in the declaration, that an efficient national government must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis- sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. Five States only were represented. The convention, however, issued another call, drawn up by Mr. Madison, urging' all the States to send their delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft a Constitution for the United States, to take the place of that Confederate League. The delegates met at the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island ^vas represented. George Washington was chosen president of the convention ; and the present Consti- tution of the United States was then and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- tive in framing this immortal document than the mind and the pen of James Madison. The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was to be presented to the several States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected we should be left but a conglomeration of independent States, with but little power at home and little respect abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by tne conven- tion to draw up an address to the people of the United States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, and urging its adoption. There was great opposition to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and went into effect in 1789. Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the avowed leader of the Republican party. While in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fascination, whom he married. She was in person and character queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied so prominent a position in the very peculiar society which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. Madison. Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under Jefferson, and at the close of his administration was chosen President. At this time the encroach- ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the crew to be paraded before him. With grea.t nonchal- ance he selects any number whom he may please to designate as British subjects; orders them down the ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- deck of his man-of-war, to fight,' by compulsion, the battles of England. This right of search and im- pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce the British cabinet to relinquish. On the iSth of June, 1812, President Madison gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter hostility of the Federal parly to the war, the country in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4U1 of March, ig 1 3, was re-elected by a large majority, and entered upon his second term of office. This is not the place to describe the various adventuras of this war on the land and on the water. Our infan navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- pling with the most formidable power which ever swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, 1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast of the United States under blockade. The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit- ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- peake Bay, and inarched rapidly, by way of Bladens- burg, upon Washington. The straggling little city of Washington was thrown into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White House, with her carriage drawn up at the doer to await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not go back without danger of being captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Washington were in flames. The war closed after two years of fighting, and on Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death, Mrs. Madi son died July 12, 1849, tlBRARY Of THE -7 &Z_, FIFTH PRESIDENT. 35 » PEQES npftOE. AMES MONROE, the fifth 'resident of The United States, "was born in Westmoreland Co., Va., April 28, 1758. His early life was passed at the place of nativity. His ancestors had for many years resided in the prov- ince in which he was born. When, at 17 years of age, in the process of completing his education at William and Mary College, the Co- lonial Congress assembled at Phila- delphia to deliberate upon the un- just and manifold oppressions of Great Britian, declared the separa- tion of the Colonies, and promul- gated the Declaration of Indepen- dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly probable that he would have been one of the signers of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left school and enlisted among the patriots. He joined the army when everything looked hope- less and gloo ny. The number of deserters increased from day to day. The invading armies came pouring in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- tending with an enemy whom they had been taught to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through difficulty and danger, the United States owe then- political emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country, with a firm determination to live or die with her strife for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. In four months after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the actof charg- ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left shoulder. As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- paigns of 1777 and 177S, in the actions of Brandy wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued aid-decamp ; but becoming desirous to regain his position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun- teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. In 17S2, he was elected from King George county, a member of the Legislature of Virginia, and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive Council. He was thus honored with the confidence of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having at this early period displayed some of that ability and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards employed with unremitting energy for the public good, 36 JAMES MONROE. lie was in the succeeding year chosen a member of ihe Congress of the United States. Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, ■thinking, with many others of *he Republican party, '.hat it gave too much power to the Central Government, and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member of the United States Senate; which office he held for four years. Every month the line of distinction be- tween the two great parties which divided the nation, the Federal and the Republican, was growing more distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep- arated them were, that the Republican party was in sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a stiict construction of the Constitution as to give the Central Government as little power, and the State Governments as much power, as the Constitution would warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- stitution, which would give as much power to the Central Government as that document could possibly authorize. The leading Federalists and Republicans were alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the good of the nation. Two more honest men or more pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In building up this majestic nation, which is destined to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- bination of their antagonism was needed to create the light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- nounced as almost a demon. Washington was then President. England had es- poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi- ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- • tween these contending powers. France had helped us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now combined to prevent the French from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in magnanimity. Washington, who could appreciate such a character, developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. Shortly after his return to this countrv, Mr. Mon- roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the office for three yeais. He was again sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining the vast territory then known as the Province of Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- tained from Spain. Tlreir united efforts were suc- cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and district of Louisiana were added to the United States. This was probably the largest transfer of real estate which was ever made in all the history of the world. From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- tain from that country some recognition of 0111 rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those odious impressments of our seamen. but Eng- land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng- land on the same mission, but could receive no redress. He returned to his home and was again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned to accept the position of Secretary of State under Madison. While in this office war with England was declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during these trying times, the duties of the War Department were also.jjjlj 'tfbbn him. He was truly the armor- bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient business man in his'eabinet. Upon the return ol peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex- piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had been chosen President with but little opposition, and upon March 4, 181-7, was inaugurated. Four years later he was elected for a second term. Among the important measures of his Presidency were the cession of Florida to the United States; the Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.' This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that time the United States had recognized the independ- ence of the South American states, and did not wish to have European powers longer attempting to sub- due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt on the part of European powers to extend their sys- tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety," and "that we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or controlling American governments or provinces in any other light than as a manifestation by European powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States." This doctrine immediately affected the course of foreign governments, and has become the approved sentiment of the United States. At the end of his fecond term Mr. Monroe retired to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, when he went to New York to live with his son-in- law. In that city he died.on the 4th of July, 1831 LIBRARY OF THE 3. 2, At dyrr^i SIXTH PRESIDENT. 39 Hi*'/'X i 4''^"-..^V'^iiC*J*~, ,i?r V^v.^*?*'^'^^*-'"^*^*''''^ "IB* "j'i^*r -vii- *ir* -v*cT*s* -»;<- *S*^,ic-. *t* -vlv*. V *vf«* *S* -ii«* l 5* 30511 Qmi)GY p^ITQS. r -/*cHK?;; k — •^.^ , 8^A— ^^> NDREW JACKSON, the seventh Presidei.t of the ' United States, was born in Waxhaw settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few days after his father's death. His parents were poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their abode in Waxhaw set- tlement, where they lived in deepest poverty. Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His features were coarse, his form un- gainly; and there was but very- little in his character, made visible, which was at- tractive. When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In i7»r, he and his brother Robert were captured and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate Dlow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert with the same demand. He also refused, and re- ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite disabled him, and which probably soon after caused hisdeath. They suffered much other ill-treatment, ami were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their mother was successful in obtaining their exchange, and took her sick boys home. After a long illness Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon left him entirely friendless. Andrew supported himself in various ways, such as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, gave more attention to the wild amusements of the times than to his studies. In 178S, he was appointed solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then a part. This involved many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish with the Sharp Knife. In i79t, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who supposed herself divorced from her former husband. Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson into disfavor. During these years lie worked hard at his profes sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- ially disgraceful. In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. The new State was entitled to but one member in the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack- son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its 44 ANDRE IV JACKSON. sessions, — a distance of about eight hundred miles. Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose second term of office was then expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the address, and was one of the twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been " wise, firm and patriotic." Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court of his State, which position he held Lr six years. When the war of 1812 with Great Britian com- menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who would do credit to a commission if one were con- ferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson jffeied his services and those of twenty-five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops were assembled at Nashville. As the British were hourly expected to make an at- tack upon New Orleans, where Gen Wilkinson was in command, he was ordered to descend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev- eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, the men were ordered back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him golden opinions; and he became the most popular man in the State. It was in this expedition that his toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory." Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was "lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- cisive action became necessary. Gen. Tackson, with his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on one of thebendsof theTallaooosa River, near the cen- ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. With an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast- work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam the river and escaped. This ended the war. The power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold plunge into the wilderness, with itsterriffic slaughter, so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian cam.paigrwto so successful an issue Immediately he was^ffipoijjted major-general. Late in August, with an army of two thousand men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, and from both ship and shore commenced a furious assault The battle was long and doubtful. At length one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his troops, which numbered about four thousand men, won a signal victory over the British army of about nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins of the government, he met with the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of her death he never recovered. His administration was one of the most memorable in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, condemned by the other. No man had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. / ) / 7 /^Jet ^^/Ju. EIGHTH PRESIDENT. TYVTfDTlTin Wn TDTTTDT^n .7 iipifni} Y^I] BUREIJ. :>: • ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth President of the United States, was born at Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1782. He died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body rests in the cemetery » at Kinderhook. Above it is a plain granite shaft fifteen feet high, bearing a simple inscription about halt way up on one face. The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded by shrub or flower. .There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those incidents which give zest to biography. His an- cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- ligence and exemplary piety. ,fe was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies in his native village, and commenced the study of law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven years of study in a law-office were required of him before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with J. lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After spending six yens in an office in his native village, he went to the city of Mew York, and prosecuted his studies for the seventh year. In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- lage. The great conflict between the Federal and Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the many discussions which had been carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the cause of State Rights; though at that time the Fed- eral party held the supremacy both in his town and State. His success and increasing ruputation led him after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, tlu county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years constantly gaining strength by contending in the- courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned the bar of his State. Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi. Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump- tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record of those years is barren in items of public interest. In 1812, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1S15, he was ap- pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved to Albany, the capital of the State. While he was acknowledged as one of the most p. ominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had MARTIN VAN BVREN. ... moral courage vow that true democracy did not require th.it ersal suffrage " which admits the vile, the degr; . the ignorant, to the right of governing the St? In true consistency with his democratic prinoi. he contended that, while the path leading to th . ilege of voting should be open to jvery man withi listinction, no one should be invested with that ;d prerogative, unless he were In some degree qi ' Bed for it by intelligence, virtue and some propert rests in the welfare of the State. In 182 i he was ted a member of the United States Senate; an ;he same year, he took a seat in the convention evise the constitution of his native State. His se in this convention secured the approval of m all parties. No one could doubt the singlene his endeavors to promote the interests of all cla: n the community. In the Senate of the Unit' ates, he rose at once to a conspicuous positioi an active and useful legislator. In 1827, John Q 'i • Adams beirg then in the Presidential chair, h r. Van Buren was re-elected to me Senate. He hi En from the beginning a de- ;ermined opposer o Administration, adopting the 'State Rights" view n opposition to what was deemed the Federal . livities of Mr. Adams. Soon after this, in 1 I, he was chosen Governorof the State of New Yi nd accordingly resigned his seat in the Senate. lably no one in the United States contributed 9 ich towards ejecting John Q. Adams from the PreV tial chair, and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as ' lartin Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reput; or not, he certainly was re- garded throughout tl United States as one of the most skillful, sagacic id cunning of politicians. It was supposed that ne knew so well as he how :o touch the secret s[ _- of action; how to pull all the wires to put his 11 'nery in motion; and how to organize a political ari vhich would, secretly and Etep'.thily accomplish . most gigantic results. By these powers it is saic he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. Clay, Mr. Websti d secured results which lew thought then coul 2 accomplished. When Andrew Jac was elected President he appointed Mr. Van B Secretary of State. This position he resigned ii 1, and was immediately appointed Minister tc gland, where he went the same autumn. The 5 •, however, when it met, refused to ratify the illation, and he leturned home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and fiowns for none, he took his place at the head of thai Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- ite; and this, probably more than any other cause, secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu tive. On the 20th of May, 1S36, Mr. Van Buren re- ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United States He was elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred upon him the power to appoint a successor." His administration was filled with exciting events. The insurrection in Canada/ which threatened to in volve this country in war with England, the agitation of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- cial panic which spread over the country, all were trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- tributed to the management of the Democratic party, and brought the President into such disfavor that he failed of re election. With the exception of being nominated for the Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, and living within his income, had now fortunately a competence for his declining years. His unblemished character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he had occupied in the government of our country, se- cured to him not only the homage of his party, but the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald ) he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics of the country. From this time until his death, on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, cf culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old age, probably far more happiness than he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life ■ 1IBRARY OF THE UNIV fo.fcft&WL^> T-\^^ NINTH PRESIDENT. 5< ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- SON, the ninth President of the United States, was bom at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. His father, Benjamin Harri- son, was in comparatively op- ulent circumstances, and was one of the most distinguished men of his day. He was an intimate friend of George Washington, w as early elected a member of the Continental Congress, and was conspicuous among the patriots of Virginia in resisting the encroachments of the British crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- rison and John Hancock were both candidates for the office of speaker. Mr Harrison was subsequently chosen Governor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His son, William Henry, of course enjoyed in childhood all the advantages which wealth and intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- ing received a thorough common-school education, he entered Hampden Sidney College, whe r re he graduated with honor soon r-fter the death of his father. Ik- then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of iobert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, ligners of the Declaration of Independence. Jpon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- withstanding the »emons».rances of his friends, he abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, .laving obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. From that time he passed gradually upward in rank until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose death he resigned his commission. He was then ap- pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This Territory s and griefs of others which ever gave him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his strong influence towards the election of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah Childress, of Rutherford Co., Term. His bride was altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- tinued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever he spoke it was always to the point, and without any ambitious rhetorical display. During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused, and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr Polk per- formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of March, 1839. In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was elected by a large majority, and on the 1 4th of Octo- ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, his term of office expired, and he was again the can- didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. On the 4thof March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- ated President of the United States. The verdict of the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and left the country, declaring the act of the annexation to be an act hostile to Mexico. In his first message, President Polk urged that Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- ceived into the Union on the same footing with the other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles further wesl, to the Rio Grande, where he erected batteries which commanded the Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on the western banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, and wa: was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first called one of "observation," then of "occupation,' then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was brought on. 'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. .\Ye.na>v consented to peace upon the condition that tMexiif© should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, all of New' Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hm>dred thousand square miles. This was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the size of New York Thus slavery was securing eighteen majestic States to be added to the Union. There were some Americans who thought it all right : there were others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and more than a hundred million of dollars.' Of this money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. On the 3d of March, r849, Mr. Polk retired from office, having served one term. The next day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated as his successor. Mr Polk rode to the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his health was good With an ample fortune, a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, and died on the 1 5 tli of June, 1849,111 the fiftv-fourth year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. IJBRARY OF THE UNIVP n nr-" f ■ - '>">:r; TWELFTH PRESIDENT. (•3 i!^SSSSSSS^ S^-\-\\-\ ^ ^ ^^-^t.'^^^^^^ 1 l^ciMAj^y fJMf*^«. ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth President of the United States, was born on the 24th of Nov., 1784, in Orange Co., Va. His father, Colonel Taylor, was a Virginian of note, and a dis- tinguished patriot and soldier of the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, his father with his ■ wife and two children, emigrated to Kentucky, where he settled in the pathless wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In this front- ier home, away from civilization and all its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but few social and educational advan- tages. When six years of age he attended a common school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. In r8o8, his father succeeded in obtaining for him the commission of lieutenant in the United States army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady from one of the first families of Maryland. Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- land, in 18 1 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- ness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, ;ed by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. Early in the autumn of [812, the Indians, stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their approach was first indicated by the murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to meet the antici- pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their chief would come to have a talk with him. It was evident that their object was merely to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept them at a distance. The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips in the forest around, followed by the discharge of musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- ture, death by the most agonizing ar.d prolonged tor- ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses- Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict continued. The savages then, baffled at every point, and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the rank of major by brevet. Until the close of the war, Major Taylor was placed in such situations that he saw but little more of active service. He was sent far away into the depths of the. wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one best could. There were no books, no society, no in- 6 4 ZACHARY TAYLOR tellectuai stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of colonel. In the Black Hawk war, which resulted in the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in employments so obscure, that his name was unknown beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, iiac 1 promised they should do. The services rendered heie secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated tc :he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- mand of the United States troops in Florida. After two years of such wearisome employment amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor obtained, at his own request, a change of command, £.nd was stationed over the Department of the South- west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi," Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty imposed upon him. In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico was brought o;i, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over forces much larger than he commanded His careless habits of dress and his unaffected simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, the sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Visia spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, 1111- " r ed, honest soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- claring that he was not at all qualified for such an office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen who had been long years in the public service found f l.;ur claims set aside in behalf of one whose name had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- pared such few communications as it was needful should be presented to the public. The popularity of the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself in a very uncongenial position, and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi- tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington to be far more 'trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or 1 'Inafans In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the affections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la- mented his death. Gen. Scott, who was thoioughly acquainted with Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful description of his character: — " With a good store of common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- quence. The frontiers and small military posts had been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat a little on one side of his head ; or an officer to leave a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 'touch with a pair of tongs.' "Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In shor* few men have ever had a more comfona"-^ ,, »*>ni«. snving contempt for barnirg of every kind.' UBRARY Of THE u^oC' J ^C^j^r^txrix) THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 67 I ^MILLftHH FILLMIIRE^ ^ » ag » a i g » 3r » 3S » ae » 3 i^»g^» ^: <» ^!g » ^: » a^ * ^K » 3* : * : ^ ^ : ^ * g > .jE$ ?]g? 4-*- ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- ty teenth President of the United ~ States, was born at Summer Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on i££2, the 7 tli of January, 1800. His ™ father was a farmer, and ow- ing to misfortune, in humble cir- cumstances. Of his mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathor Millard, of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she possessed an intellect of very high order, united with much personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- position, graceful manners and ex- quisite sensibilities. She died in 1 83 1 ; having lived to see her son a young man of distinguished prom- ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high dignity which he finally attained. In consequence of the secluded home and limited means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- vantages for education in his early years. The com- mon schools, which he occasionaUy attended were very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce and expensive. There was nothing then in his char- acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy ; intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid the foundations of an upright character. When fourteen years of age, his father sent him some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. Neav the mill there was a small villiage, where some enterprising man had commenced the collection of a village library. This proved an inestimable blessing to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- ing Soon every leisure moment was occupied with books. His thirst fur knowledge became insatiate and the selections which he made were continually more elevating and instructive. Me read history, biography, oratory, ar.d thus gradually there was en- kindled in his heart a desire to be something more than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, educated man. The young clothier had now attained the age of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance and cf gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened tha* there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter Wood,— who was struck with the prepossessing ap- pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and attainments that he advised him to abandon his trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The young man replied, that he had no means of his own, 1 1 friends to help him and that his previous educa- tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood hail so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to take him into his own office, and to loan him such money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous offer was accepted. There is in many minds a strange delusion about a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- lege. But many a boy loiters through university hal' ind then enters a law office, who is by no means ur 06 MILLARD FILLMORE. well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- tense mental culture. In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he v/as admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, his practice of course was limited, and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station she might be called to fill,— Miss Abigail Powers. His elevation of character, his untiring industry, his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to enter into partnership under highly advantageous circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the State of New York, as a representative from Erie County. Though he had never taken a very active part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, and he found himself in a helpless minority in the Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties, that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very unusual degrt e the respect of his associates. In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in the United States Congress He entered that troubled irena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our national history. The great conflict respecting the national bank and the removal of the deposits, was then raging. His term of two years closed ; and he returned to his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- utation and success. After a lapse of two years he again became a candidate for Congress; was re- elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- rience as a representative gave him stiength and confidence. The first term of service in Congress to any man can be but little more than an introduction. He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every measure received his impress. Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, he was elected Comptroller of the State. Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in Congress and as .Comptroller, had given him very con- siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be proclaimed in liumpet-tones all over the land. But it was necessary to associate with him on the same ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. Under the influence of these considerations, the namesof Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, Geffi Tailor was inaugurated President, and Millard Fillmore'ViccrPresident, of the United States. On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but about one year and four months after his inaugura tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend with, since the opposition had a majority in both Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt the inadecpiacyof all measuresof transient conciliation. The population of the free States was so rapidly in- creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- evitable that the power of the Government should soon pass into the hands of the free States. The famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- more, having served one term, retired. In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that his sympathies were rather with those who were en- deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874. 1JBBARY OF T»'£ UN"" FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. 7' «i jfcrfGfta^, •— =^Ss .^.aA.'ftp. ^ ^~: - . yy y f'f^:»p;-T mpmf V " : " '■:•' ' "- : - ■;■••".••:■ ¥'¥ Y Y"Y*Y Y Y'Y'Y Y Y'Y T YTY ?V.;. J: Nasi*) *; £* FRANKLIN FIERCE.-* ' N2J) RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth President of the f United States, was born in Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 23, 1804. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, who, with his own strong arm, hewed out a home in the wilderness. He was a man of inflexible integrity; of strong, though uncultivated mind, and an uncompromis- ing Democrat. The mother of Franklin Pierce was all that a son could desire, — an intelligent, pru- dent, affectionate, Christian wom- an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen- erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the love of old and young. The boys on the play ground loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was one of the most ]»pular young men in the college. The purity cf his moral character, the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. There was something very peculiarly winning in his address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- gree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous and loving nature. Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of the State, and a man of great private worth. The eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- nating yet perilous path of political life. With all the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here he served for four yeais. The last two years he was chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected a member of Congress. Without taking an active part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom he was associatad. In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, he was elected to the Senate of the United States; taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced his administration. He was the youngest member in the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane- Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every station with wnich her husband was honoied. Of the t-RANKLIN PIERCE. three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with their parents in the grave. In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous professional engagements at home, and the precariuos state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the same time declined the nomination for governor by the Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. He took an important part in this war, proving him- self a brave and true soldier. When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, very frequently taking an active part in political ques- tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party. The compromise measures met cordially with his approval; and he strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.'' The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- quently regarded him as a man whom they could safely trust in office to carry out their plans. On the r2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the Presidency. For four days they continued in session, .-.nd in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been throw n for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation brought forward his name. There were fourteen more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates eleven. Gen. AVinfield Scott was the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pietce was therefore inaugurated President of the United States on the 4th of March, 1853. His administration proved one of the most stormy our country had ever experienced. The controversy be tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its culminating point. It became evident that there was an " irrepressible conflict" between them, and that this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution of the Union were borne to the North on every South- ern breeze. Such was the condition of affairs when President Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and social worth of President ritl-rce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- ministrative-.icts.; The slaveholders of the South, also, unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- cated those measures of Government which they ap- proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two had died, and his only surviving child had been kiiied before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left alone in the world, without wife or child. When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was one of the most genial and social of men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen . erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns people were often gladened by his material bounty. LIBRARY OF T»E cz Zl^7Z^J 6*^ /L&yfh&s??/? FIFTEENTH PRESIDENT 75 \r.h : ', ■..', ', ', '. ', -..v ;..<_, •. >, ■•. ■, -.v. v - . ■. - . v*. •: ■:■ : 7\ : ? ~ 77 ~ ~ .".' ~ ? :,<:,<,- ~; |J, ; , < :■><■:■>< : ,< : ,< : ■■ .• ■■ .'.' :.':■' : ■' .v: v..'.--..'. .'■■.'. -.■.-. .'.■•..', -. ',.■■-. ', ■. • i 1 1 ' "@ •-4- -^*- AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- .teenth President of the United States, was born in a small frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge of the Allegha- nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the humble cabin of his father stood was called Stony tSlM Batter. It was a wild and ro- mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- tains, with towering summits rising grandly all around. His father was a native of the north of Ireland ; a poor man, who had emigrated in 1783, with little property save his own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se- cluded home, where James was born, he remained for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual advantages. When James was eight years of age, his father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where his son was placed at school, and commenced a course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among the first scholars in the institution. His application to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- abled him to master the most abstruse subjects w ' facility. In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest honors of his clas^. He was then eighteen years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- cessfully defended before the State Senate 01 e of tiie judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- crative practice. In 1S20, he reluctantly consented to run as a candidate fur Congress. He was elected, and for ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally tried some important case. In "1 83 1 , he retired altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac- quired an ample fortune. Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency, appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The duties of his mission he performed with ability, which gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in 1S33, he was elected to a seat in the United States Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster. Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas- ures proposed by President J.u kson, of in ilrmg repri- 7 6 JAMES BUCHANAN. sals against France, to enforce the payment of our claims against that country ; and defended the coarse of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale removal from office of those who were not the sup- porters of his administration. Upon this question he was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United States mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- cated that they should be respectfully received; and that the reply should be returned, that Congress had no power to legislate upon the subject. ' Congress," said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with slavery under a foreign government as in any of the States where it now exists." Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. . Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the account of the course our Government pursued in that movement Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50, which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mission to England. In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The political conflict was one of the most severe in which our country has ever engaged. All the friends of slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- ceived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4th. 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four vears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been allied in political principles and action for years, were seeking the destruction of the Government, that they might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. hi this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in their assumptions. As President of the United States, bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws, he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind, unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- lic. He therefore did nothing. The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- trol of the Government were thus taken from their hands, they would secede from the Union, taking with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of the United States. Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery parly was such, that he had been willing to offerthem far more than they had ventured to claim. All the South had professed to ask of the North was non- intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- operation of the Government to defend and extend the mstitajhap. As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He declared that Congress had no power to enforce its laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand upon his sword hilt, he exclaimed. "The Union must and shall be preserved!" South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly three months before the inauguration of President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in Charleston: Fort Sumpter was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots of military stores were plun- dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were appropriated by the rebels. The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the scepter. The administration of President Buchanan was certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion Hp died at his Wheatland retreat, June 1, 186S. MBfiABY OF THE UWVr~ fa y ■ngsmaiiiii BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth President of the H^United States, was horn in Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 1809. About the year 1780, a |H> man by the name of Abraham ^ Lincoln left Virginia with his family and moved into the then wildsof Kentucky. Only two years after this emigration, still a young man, while working one day in a field, was stealthily approached by an Indian and shot dead. His widow was left in extreme poverty with five little children, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the youngest of the boys, was four years of age at his father's death. This Thomas was the father of Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States whose name must henceforth fo r ever be enrolled with the most prominent in the annals of our world. Of course no record has been kept of the life of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched log-cabin ; his food the coarsest and the meanest. Education he had none; he could never either read or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his "starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a '/.borer in the fields of others. When twenty-eight years of age he built a log- cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. "All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate- ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. When he was eight years of age, his father sold his cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana Where two years later his mother died. Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated community around him. He could not have had a better school than this to teach him to put thoughts into words. He also became an eager reader. The books he could obtain were few ; but these he read and re-read until they were almost committed to memory. As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sistei Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830. and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. With vigorous hands he'aided his father in rearing another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this until he saw the family comfortably settled, and theii small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when he announced to his father his intention to leave home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of education and was intensely earnest to improve his mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin which ardent spirits were causing, and became strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read it\ God's word, "Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain;" and a profane expression ha was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a single vice. Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborei among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, where he was employed in building a large fiat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven So ABRAHAM LINCOLN. ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon his return tney placed a store and mill under his care. In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem, His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he received he carried there ready to deliver to those he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon made this his business. In 1834 he again became a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. His success with the jury was so great that he was soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most notable part of his history. The issue was on the ilavery question, and he took the broad ground of :he Declaration of Independence, that all men are created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- test, but won a far higher prize. The great Republican Convention met at Chicago on the 16th of June, i860. The delegates and strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- five thousand. An immense building called "The Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most orominent. It was generally supposed he would be the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: and as little did he dream that he was to render services to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of the whole civilized world, and which would give him a place in the affections of his countrymen, second enly, if second, to that of Washington. Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 electoral votes out of 203 cast) and was, therefore, constitutionally elected President of the United States. The tirade of abuse that vas poured upon this good and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was greater than upon any other man ever elected to this high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his way making speeches. The whole journey was frought with much danger. Many of the Southern States had already seceded, and several attempts at assassination were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row," and in the confusion to make sure of his death with revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret and special train was provided to take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected hour of the night. The train started at half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- cation on the part ot the Secessionists with theirCon- federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other prominent opponents before the convention he gave important positions. During no other administration have the duties devolving upon the President been so manifold, and the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his trials, bo f h personal and national. Contrary to his own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most courageous of men. He went directly into the rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he had left Springfield, in rS6i, however, plans had been made f jr his assassination, and he at last fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It was announced that they would Le present. Gen. Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- ing, witir his characteristic kindliness of heart, thaf it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth entered the box where the President and family were seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the next morning at seven o'clock. Never before, in the history of the world was a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a model. His name as the savior of his country will live with that of Washington's, its father; hiscr-;.ntry- rnen being iniable to decide which i s t>>e greater. LIBRARY OF IMF ^I^^l^^l^ SE / ■/■;. \ ■ 1 -LEN 1 11 PRESIDED f. '«i ^. NDREVV JOHNSON, seven - teenth President of the United \m f States. The early life of Andrew Johnson contains but the record of poverty, destitu- ^y tion and friendlessness. He 7 was born December 29, 180S, in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, belonging to the class of the " poor whites " of the South, T>'ere in such circumstances, that they could not confer even the slight- est advantages of education upon their child. When Andrew was five years of age, his father accidentally lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the labor of his mother, who obtained her living with her own hands. He then, having never attended a school one day, and being unable either to read or write, was ap- prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often read from the speeches of distinguished British states- men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary native ability, became much interested in these speeches; his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and with the assistance of some of his fellow- workmen, iearned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book, but assisted him in learning to combine the letters into words. Under such difficulties he pressed oi. ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest and recreation to devote such time as he could to reading. He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos sessed some education. Under her instructions he learned to write and cipher. He became prominent in the village debating society, and a favorite with the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- ganized a working man's party, which elected him alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which position he held three years. He now began to take a lively interest in political affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes, to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. He became a very active member of the legislature gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thos^ of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased his reputation. In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he was elected a member of Congress, and by successive elections, held that important post for ten years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these resi>onsible |>osi- tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished atri. 84 ANDRE IF JOHNSON. ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected United States Senator. Years before, in 1S45, he had warmly advocated the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, and become merged in a population congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- promise measures, the two essential features of which were, that the white people of the Territories should be permitted to decide for themselves whether they would enslave the colored people or not, and that the <"ree States of the North should return to the South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- ior was the son of a carpenter." In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i8uj, ne was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- im Democracy became apparent, he took a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery- must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he established the most stringent military rule. His numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865, became President. In a speech two days later he said, " The American people must be taught, if they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and must be punished; that the Government will not always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not only to protect, but to punish. * * The people must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole administration, the history of which is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent opposition to. the principles laid down in that speech. In his loose policy of reconstruction and general amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char- 1 acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- } ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three months. A test article of the impeachment was at length submitted to the court for its action. It was certain that as the court voted upon that article so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against •hSnit-y The change of one vote from the not guilty ' srde*\vould have sustained the impeachment. The President, for the remainder of his term, was but little regarded. He continued, though im potently, his conflict with Congress. His own party did not think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- alleled since the days of Washington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until 1875 On Jan. 26, after an exciting struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- ing the residence of his child the following day, was stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 2 a.m., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, with every demonstration of respect. ilBRARY of v«e mm- 7~&. z duties of his new office Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains were burdened with closely packed thousands. His plans were comprehensive and involved a series of campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- render of Lee, April 9, 1865. The war was ended. The Union was saved. The almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- vation. The. eminent services he had thus rendered the country brought him conspicuously forward as the Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. At the Republican Convention held at Chicago. May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the Presidency, and at the autumn election received a majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 electoral votes. The National Convention of the Republican party which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 electoral votes being cast for him. Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant started upon his famous trip around the world. He visited almost every country of the civilized world, and was everywhere received with such ovations and demonstrations of respect and honor, private as well as public and official, as were never before bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. He was the most prominent candidate before the Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re- nomination for President. He went to New York and embarked in the brokerage business under the firm nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to the penitentiary. The General was attacked with cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as General of the Army and retired by Congress. The cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 1885, the nation went- in mourning over the death of the illustrious General. IIBRARY Of T"F UN'"- '■> it 4* > W- m 6< -*>-A_JL- 0-*V> t J NINETEENTH PRESIDENT. 9» m RlTTBSItTOItD B, MMTMB, fe UTHERFORD B. .HAYES, the nineteenth President of the United States, was born in Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- most three months after the death of his father, Rutherford Hayes. His ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides, was of the most honorable char- acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two Scottish chief- tains, fighting side by side with Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive estates, and had a large following. Misfor- tane overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot- land in i6.So, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son George was. born in Windsor, and remained there during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- turer of scythed at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel ai.d grandfather of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was I born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- grated thither from Connecticut, they having been among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The father of President Hayes was an industrious frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to undertake. He was a member of the Church, active in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- ducted his business on Christian principles. After the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three months before the birth of the son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- reavement, found the support she so much needed in her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the household from the day of its departure from Ver- mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted some time before as an act of charity. Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 9 2 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. subject of this sketch was so feeble at birtli that he was not expected to live beyond a month or two at most. As the months went by he grew weaker and weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby dud last night. ' On one occasion a neighbor, who was on familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of him, said in a bantering way, " That's right! Stick to him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't wonder if he would really come to something yet." " You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You vait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him President of the United States yet." The boy lived, in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his mother. The boy was seven years old before he went to school. His education, however, was not neglected. He probably learned as much from his mother and sister as he would have done at school. His sports were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being his sister and her associates. These circumst tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings of others, which are marked traits of his character. His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest In his education ; and as the boy's health had im- proved, and he was making good progress in his studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- paration commenced with a tutor at home; bit he was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- tered Kenyon College in 1838,31 the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. Immediately after his graduation lie began the study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- mained two years. In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he was admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- fession. In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambi- tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of Chilicothe; the othei was his introduction to the Cin- cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its members such men as^hief justice Salmon P, Chase, Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others hardly less distinguished in afterlife. The marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced a.id beloved than was Mis. Hayes, and no one did more than she to reflect honor upon American woman h.-od. The Litciary Cluu brought Mr. Hayes into constant association with young men of high char acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the qualities so long hidden by his bashfulne:s and modesty. In 1856 he- was nominated to the office of Jud t ;.- of the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- cept the nomination. Two years later, the office o! city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council elected him for the unexpired term. In 1S61, when the Rebellion broke out, he was a! the zenith of his professional Vf_. His lank at the bar was among the the first. But the news of the attack, on Fort Sninpter found him eager to take "io arms/ofjhe defense of his country. His military re,oprd was bright ard illustrious. In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and in August, 1S62, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle of South Mountain he received a wound, and while faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that won admiration from all. Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, and for gallant and meritorious sei vices in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted M.'j ir-General, "forgallant and distinguished fervices during the campaigns of 1864. in West Virginia." In the course of his arduous services, four horses were shot from under him, and he was wounded four times In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, and after his election was importuned to resign his commission in the army; but he finally declared, " I shall never come to Washington until I can come by the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a populai Democrat. In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- lican Party in t lie Presidential contest, and after a hard long contest was chosen President- and was in augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his full term, not, h. wever, with satisfaction to his party, bis admir'stration was an average orv* OF ITO Iff i ■ TWENTIETH PRESIDENT. 05 ^^/ygvX^ »3!g#3fg4Mi£+3|g*si!£+ss£*si!f£*3 ^ g » a£ » 3i£ » 3 i S » 3 t £ » AMES A. GARFIELD, twen- tieth President of the United States, was born Nov. 19, 1S31, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga Co., O His par- ' ents were Abram and Eliza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New England ancestry and from fami- lies well known in the early his- tory of that section of our coun- try, but had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- ment. The house in which James A. was born was not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of that day. It .its about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- .'.veen the logs filled with clay. His father was a .'iard working farmer, and he soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built, fhe household comprised the father and mother and dieir four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and Tames. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con- tacted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At this time James was about eighteen months old, and Fhomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can tell how much James was indetted r to his biother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc- ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- ters live in Solon, O., near their birthplace. The early educational advantages young Garfield enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed mother in he struggles to keep the little family to- gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did the) ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor the humblest friend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness of want and the sweetness 1 of bread earned by the sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple plain, modest gentleman. The highest ambition of young Garfield until hi was about sixteen years old was to be a captain oi a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that he should try to obtair some other kind of employment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city After making many applications for work, and trying to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. Here- mained at this work but a short time when he wen" home, and attended the seminary at Chester for about three years, when he entered Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in the meantime, and doing other work. This school was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of which church he was then a member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon " exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from whi :h he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram College as its President. As above stated, he early united with the Christian or Diciples Church at Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion ; 9« JAMES A. GARFIELD. "President Garfield was more than a man of strong moral and religious convictions. His whole history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In my judgment there is no more interesting feature of his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to the less stately and cultured Christian communions in which they have been reared. Too often it is true that as they step upward in social and political sig- nificance they step upward from one degree to another in some of the many types of fashionable Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the church of his mother, the church in which he was trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- Urian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity,'" Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss.' Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 1858, who proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and mourned. To them were born seven children, five of whom are still living, four boys and one girl. Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- ceived his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Forty- second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 14, 1861. He was immediately put into active ser- vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was placed in command of four regiments of infantry and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the work of driving out of his native State the officer •Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now he was the youngest General in the army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its operations around Corinth and its march through Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the General Couit-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff." The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won the stars of the Major-General. Without an effort on his part Get? Garfield wa» elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he resigned his place in the army. At the time_ he en- tered Congress he was the youngest member in that body. There he remained by successive re- elections until he was elected President in 1880. Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which has been debated in Congress, or discussed before u tribunel of the American people, in regard to whict you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu- ment on one side stated, in almost every instance better than by anybody else, in some speech made in the House of Representatives or on the hustings by Mr. Garfield." •Upon Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to the, U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the same year, was nominated as the candidate of his party for President at the great Chicago Convention. He was elected in the following November, and on March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- ministration ever opened its existence under brighter auspices than that of President Garfield, and every day it grew in favo: with the people, and by the first of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- liminary work of his administration and was prepar- ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was " the shot that was heard round the world " Never before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- curred which so nearly froze the blood of the peop!~ for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty days, all during the hot months of July and August, he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent bearing was teaching the country and the world the noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. 19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The world wept at his death, as it never had done on the death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. II. ■■■ ilBRARV OF THr TWENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT. 99 HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi'i-iii. of the ^United States, was born in P ranklin Cour ty, Vermont, on $o the fifth of Odober, 1830, andis the oldest of a family of two sons and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. William 1 Arthur, a Baptist d'.rgyman, who emigrated to tb'.s country from the county Antrim, Ireland, in i jjj his 18th year, and died in 1875, in } |J Newtonville, neai Albany, after a long and successful ministry. Young Arthur was educated at Union College, S< henectady, where he excelled in all his studies. Af- ter his graduation he taught school in Vermont for two years, and at the expiration of that time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket, and entered the office of ex-Judge E. D. Culver as student. After being admitted to r the bar he formed a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing in the West, and for three months they roamed about in the Western States in search of an eligible site, but in the end returned to New York, where they hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- ful career almost from the start. General Arthur »oon afterward nwr<-d the daughter of Lieutenant Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two children. Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon. athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided that they could not be held by the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to represent the People, and they won their case, which then went to the Supreme Court of the United States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward the emancipation of the black race. Another great service was rendered by General Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride on their cars, and the other car companies quickly /oo CHESTER A. ARTHUR. followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per- sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. Previous to the war he was Judge- Advocate of the Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer- in-Chief of his staff. In 1S61, he was made Inspec- tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered great service to the Government during the war. At the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New Yoik, was added to the firm. The legal prac- tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if not indeed one of national extent. He always took a leading part in State and city politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous National Republican Convention held at Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political convention that ever assembled on thecontinent. It was composed of the fading politicians of the Re- publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their respective candidates that were before the conven- tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur for Vice-President. The campaign which followed was one of the most animated known in the history of our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his party made a valiant fight for his election. Finally the election came and the country's choice >vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President. K few months only had passed ere the newly chosen President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of anxious suspense, wher the hearts of all civilized na- tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- able patience that he manifested during those hours and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- fering man has often been called upon to endure, was seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his credit that his every action displayed only an earnest desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in deed or look of this man, even though the most honored position in the world tvas at any moment likely to fall to him. At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- field from further suffering, and the world, as never before in its history over the death of any other man, wept at his bier.' Then it became the duty of the Vice President to f.ssume the responsibilities of the high office, and he took the oath in New York. Sept. 20, 18S1. The position was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been greatly neglected during the President's long illness, and many important measures were to be immediately decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he did not fail to realize under what circumstances he became President, and knew the feelings of many on this point. Under these trying circumstances President Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticised his administration. He served the nation well and fa : thfully, until the close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate before his party for a second term. His name was ably presented before the con- vention at Chicago, and was received with great favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity of one of the opposing candidates, he would have been selected as the standard-bearer of his party for another campaign. He retired to private life car- rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory to them and with credit to himself. IIBRARY OF T' r m & fe /n?t&r OstsK^t TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT. io 3 » 3 j e » gfe: ^ 3:t: <» 3K: » 3 i e » 3 i g » 3 i g » ag < >ag » 3ig » 3 i i: » at: » 3 ! g » 3i£ » 3 i £ » 3lsr <' >^w '(Xievjeln.nd. . the humble birth-place of one of America's great men in striking con trast with the Old World, where all men high in office must be high in origin and born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject of this sketch was three years of age, his father, who was a Presbyterian min- ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, by way c: the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most straggling of country villages, about, five miles from Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was borr.. At the last mentioned place young Grover com- menced going to school in the "good, old-fashioned way," and presumably distinguished himself after the manner of all village boys, in doing the things he ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he /arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the capacity of the village school and expressed a most emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this his father decidedly objected. Academies in those days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to become self-supporting by the quickest possible means, and this at that time in Fayette/ille seemed to be a position in a country store, where Lis father and the large family 0.1 his hands had considerable influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to receive $t 00 the second year. Here the lad com- menced his career as salesman, and in two years he had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness that his employers desired to retain him for an in definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- ville, he went with the family in their removal to Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a high school. Here he industriously pursued his studies until the family removed with him to a point on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica, N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two years, and although he obtained a good reputation in this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not liis S. GROVE R CLEVELAND. calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some charm in that name for him ; but before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to ask the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do, my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study law," was the reply. " Good gracious ! " remarked die old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put that into your head? How much money have you got.'" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got any." After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a year, while lie could " look around." One day soon afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he wanted. A number of young men were already en- gaged in the office, but Graver's persistency won, and he was finally permitted to come as an office boy and Have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his board and washing. The walk to and from his uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although the first winter was a memorably severe one, his shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. On the first day of his service here, his senior em- ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A titter ran around the little circle of clerks and students, as they thought that was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ; out in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for chasing principles through all their metaphysical possibilities.. " Let us quit talking and go and do it," was practically his motto. The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital pi'i.ishment upon two criminals. In iSSr he was elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, 0:1 the Democratic ticket, with es- pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms in the administration of the municipal affairs of that city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his performance of duty has generally been considered fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- reted out and magnified during the last Presidential campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui- tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time for plain speech, and my objection to your action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme to betray the interests of the people and to worse than squander the people's money." The New York Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire State. To the latter office he was elected in i8S2, and his administration of the affairs of State was generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if any, were made very public throughout the nation after he was nominated for President of the United States. For this high office he was nominated July it, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he was elected by the people, by a majority of about a thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- land resigned his office as Governor of New York in January, 18S5, in order to prepare for his duties as the Chief Executive of the United States, in which capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts; Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of Arkansas. The silver question precipitated a controversy be- tween those who were in favor of the continuance of silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his inauguration, LIBRARY Of T« r «H%; 31 d\ . o&* 6&0^7vAs<^&-~ZsC TWENTY -THIRD PRESIDENT. iv i f^^ ^$'^^^u(^^d%^^' kGV -i^)&nia±nm ■1 ^s^. (?g;s,i:^J -»*>~- -o«o..(g^v^3)-o*o.. INJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third President, is the descendant of one of the historical families of this country. The head of the family was a Major General Harrison, one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted follow- ers and fighters. In the zenith of Crom- [p well's power it became the duty of this Harrison to participate in the trial of Charles I, and afterward to sign the death warrant of the king. He subse- quently paid for this with his life, being hung Oct. 13, 16C0. His descendants came to America, and the next of the family that appears in history is Benja- min Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand- father of the subject of this sketch, and after whom he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a member of the Continental Congress during the years i 774-5-6, and was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence. He wac three times elected Governor of Virginia. Gen William Henry Harrison, the son of the distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc- cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812, and with -a clean record as Governor of the North- western Territory, was elected President of the United States in 1840. His career was cut short by death within one month :.fter his inauguration. President Harrison was born at North Bend, Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. =?0, 1833. His life up to the time of his graduation by the Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun- try lad of a family of small means. His father was able to give him a good education, and nothing more. He became engaged while at college to th.3 daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en^ ter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin einnati and then read law for two years. At the expiration of that time young Harrison received tt:, only inheritance of his life ; his aunt dying left him a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy ast fortune, and decided to get married at once, tion of die effect upon the negroes is cribed in his own la QEectt upon them was . They stared 6 doubting the ac- cural they heard. In breathless silence tr :> utter a word, but with countenances I.i..: ; with expression which no words could convey, and which no . in to see the tail ion, there came . . . . ■ intense i in tea thei tr g g of God on a Be ... :ied more pan v ' *ach Eeri . :nes. ■ E : - i . over 8,000. The Lieutenant Governor was elected by the slavery men. Mr. Coles' inauguration speech was marked by calmness, deliberation and such a wise expression of appropriate ons as to elicit the sanction of all judicious politicians. But he compromised not with evil. In his message to the Legislature, the seat of Government being then at Vandalia, he strongly urged the abrogation jf the . lavery which then existed in this contrary to the Ordinance of 1787. His posi- tion on this subject seems the more remarkable, when it is considered that he was a minority Governor, the population of Illinois being at that lime almost ex- clusively from slave-In. md by a large majority in favor of the perpetuation of that old relic of barbarism. The Legislature itself was, of course, a rerlex of the popular sentiment, and a majority of them d on by fiery men in denunciations o| □nscienrious Governor, and in curses loud and deep upon him and all his friends. Some of the public men, indeed, went so far as to head a sort of mob, or"' shiveree " party, who visited the residence of the Governor and others at Vandalia and yelled and groaned and spat fire. The Constitution, not establishing or permitting slavery in this State, was thought therefore to be defective by the slavery politicians, and they desired 3 State Convention to be elected, to devise and sub- mit a new Constitution ; and the dominant politics of the day was "Convention" and "anti-Conven- tion." Both parties issued addresses to the people, Gov. Coles himself being the author of the address died by the latter party. This address revealed the schemes of the conspirators in a masterly .Ban- ner. It is difficult for us at this distant day to esti- d extremely delicate situation in 1 the Governor was placed at that time. - hero maintained himself honorably and with .. cut his administration, and . led. He 1 great man, and those who lived in state wjourn here, like those who e mountain, were too near to see ttov ••- iadi w .-■.: therm s was ixried Ni • 3, bv Bishop .titer :stry, am. to this country with Wm. Penn in 1682. : rn of service. Gov. Idwardsville, sup- y. He vis fond i^ri- iccount of ill •am didel- Of !*• W- G ' o c$-0[j&--^JL GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. "9 iiii a 11 Ed,wfiidi> -fe-v>-4- INIAN EDWARDS, Governor from 1827 to 1830, was a son of Benjamin Edwards, and was born in Montgomery r> County, Maryland, in March, & 1.775- His domestic train- **"<£' *" ing was well fitted to give his mind strength, firmness and honorable principles, and a good foundation was laid for the elevated character to which he afterwards attained. His parents were Bap- tists, and very strict in their moral piinciples. His education in early youth was in company with and partly under the tuition of Hon. \Vm. Wirt, whom his father patronized, and who was more than two years older. An intimacy was thus formed between them which was lasting for life. He was further educated at Dickinson College, at Car- lisle, Pa. He next commenced the study of law, but before completing his course lie moved to Nelson County, Ky., to open a farm for his father and to purchase homes and locate lands for his brothers and sisters. Here he fell in the company of dissolute companions, and for several years led the life of a spendthrift. He was, however, elected to the Legis- lature of Kentucky as the Representative of Nelson ixmnty before he was 2 r years of age, and was re- elected by an almost unanimous vote, In 1798 he was licensed to practice law, and the following year was admitted to the Courts of Tennes- see. About this time he left Nelson County for Russellville, in Logan County, broke away from his dissolute companions, commenced a reformation and devoted himself to severe and laborious study. He then began to rise rapidly in his profession, and soon became an eminent lawyer, and inside of four years he filled in succession the offices of Presiding Judge of the General Court, Circuit Judge, fourth Judge of the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the State, — all before he was 32 years of age! In addition, in 1802, he received a commission as Major of a battal- ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1804 was chosen a Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton ticket. In 1806 he was a candidate for Congress, but withdrew on being promoted to the Court of Appeals. Illinois was organized as a separate Territory in the spring of 1809, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received from President Madison the appointment as Gover- nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date April 24, tSog. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in June, and on the 1 ith of that month took the oath of office. At the same time he was appointed Superin- tendent of the United States Saline, this Government interest then developing into considerable proportions in Southern Illinois. Although during the first three years of his administration he had the power to make new counties and appoint all the officers, yet he always allowed the people of each county, by an informal NINIAN EDWARDS. vote, to select their own officers, both civil and mili- tary. The noted John J. Crittenden, afterward United States Senator from Kentucky, was appointed by Gev. Edwards to the office of Attorney General of the Territory, which office was accepted for a short time only. The Indians in 1810 committing sundry depreda- tions in the Territory, crossing the Mississippi from the Territory of Louisiana, a long correspondence fol- lowed between the respective Governors concerning the remedies, which ended in a council with the sav- ages at Peoria in 1812, and a fresh interpretation of the treaties. Peoria was depopulated by these de- predations, and was not re-settled for many years afterward. As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in 1812, he was re-appointed for another term of three years, and again in 18 15 for a third term, serving until the organization of the State in the fall of 1818 and the inauguration of Gov. Bond. At this time ex-Gov. Edwards was sent to the United States Senate, his colleague being Jesse B. Thomas. As Senator, Mr. Edwards took a conspicuous part, and acquitted himself honorably in all the measures that came up in that body, being well posted, an able de- bater and a conscientious statesman. He thought .eriously of resigning this situation in 1821, but was persuaded by his old friend, Wm. Wirt, and others to continue in office, which he did to the end of the term. He was then appointed Minister to Mexico by President Monroe. About this time, it appears that Mr. Edwards saw suspicious signs in the conduct of Wm. H. Crawford, Secretary of the United States Treasury, and an ambitious candidate for the Presi- dency, and being implicated by the latter in some of his statements, he resigned his Mexican mission in order fully to investigate the charges. The result was the exculpation of Mr. Edwards. Pro-slavery regulations, often termed "Black Laws," Disgraced the statute books of both the Territory and he State of Illinois during the whole of his career in ;his commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main- tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important ;xtoi in the great struggle which ended in a victory f or his party in 1824. In 1826 -7 the Winnebago and other Indians com- mitted sorre depredations in the northern part of the State, and the white settlers, who desired the lands and wished to exasperate the savages into an evacu- ation of the country, magnified the misdemeanors of the aborigines and thereby produced a hostility be- tween the races so great as to precipitate a little war, known in history as the "Winnebago War." A few chases and skirmishes were had, when Gen. Atkinson succeeded in capturing Red Bird, the Indian chief, and putting him to death, thus ending the contest, at least until the troubles commenced which ended in the "Black Hawk War" of 1832. In the interpre- tation of treaties and execution of their provisions Gov. Edwards had much vexatious work to do. The Indians kept themselves generally within the juris- diction of Michigan Territory, and its Governor, Lewis Cass, was at a point so remote that ready cor- respondence with him was difficult or impossible. Gov. Edwards' administration, however, in regard to the protection of the Illinois frontier, seems to have been vety efficient and satisfactory. For a considerable portion of his time after his re- moval to Illinois, Gov. Edwards resided upon his farm near Kaskaskia, which he had well stocked with horses, cattle and sheep from Kentucky, also with fruit-trees, grape-vines and shrubbery. He estab- lished saw and grist-mills, and engaged extensively in mercantile business, having noless than eight orten stores in this State and Missouri. Notwithstanding the arduous duties of his office, he nearly always pur- chased the goods himself with which to supply the stores. Although not a regular practitioner of medi- cine, he studied the healing art to a considerable ex- tent, and took great pleasure in prescribing for, and taking care of, the sick, generally without charge. He was also liberal to the poor, several widows and ministers of the gospel becoming indebted to him even for their homes. He married Miss Elvira Lane, of Maryland, in 1803, and they became the affectionate parents of several children, one of whom, especially, is well known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely. Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent O Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas- kaskia from 1809101818; in Edwardsville (named after him) from that time to 1824; and from the lat- ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic cholera. Edwards County is als^ named in his honor. LIBRARY OF THE UNIT*-* GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 127 ->-5~«§ o ^|>^<|p < ****** > | -.._,.:M., ; ->^.. ■ gliHOMAS CARLIN, the sixth Governor of the State of Illinois, serving from 1S38 to 1S42, was also a Ken- tuckian, being born near Frankfort, that State, July 18, 17S9, of Irish paternity. The opportunities for an education being very meager in his native place, he, on approaching years of judgment and maturity, applied himself to those branches of learn- ing that seemed most important, and thus became a self-made man ; and his taste for reading and yi'^S^f'A. study remained with him through *w^¥^re* ]if e _ j n t g 03 hi s f al her removed 10 Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he died in 18 10. In 1812 young Carlin came to Illinois and partici- pated in all the "ranging" service incident to the war of that period, proving himself a soldier of un- daunted bravery. In 1814 he married Rebecca Huitt, and lived for four years on the bank of the Mississippi River, opposite the mouth of the Mis- lead, where he followed farming, and then removed to Greene County. He located the town site of Car- ro'ton, in that county, and in 1825 made a liberal donation of land for county building purposes. He was the first Sheriff of that county after its separate organization, and afterward was twice elected, as a Jackson Democrat, to the Illinois Senate. In the Black Hawk War he commanded a spy battalion, a post of considerable danger. In 1834 he was ap- pointed by President Jackson to the position of Receiver of Public Moneys, and to fulfill the office more conveniently he removed to the city of Quincy. While, in 1838, the unwieldy internal improvement system of the State was in full operation, with all its expensive machinery, amidst bank suspensions throughout the United States, a great stringency in the money market everywhere, and Illinois bonds forced to sale at a heavy discount, and the " hardest times" existing that the people of the Prairie State ever saw, the general election of State officers was approaching. Discreet men who had cherished the hope of a speedy subsidence of the public infatua- tion, met with disappointment. A Governor and Legislature were to be elected, and these were now looked forward to for a repeal of the ruinous Stale policy. But the grand scheme had not yet lost its dazzling influence upon the minds of the people. Time and experience had not yet fully demonstrated its utter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting its career of profligate expenditures did not become a leading one with the dominant party during the campiign, and most of the old members of the Leg- islature were returned at this election. Under these circumstances the Democrats, in State Convention assembled, nominated Mr. Carlin for *he office of Governor, and S. H. Anderson for Lieuten- ant Governor, while the Whigs nominated Cyrus Ed- wards, brother of Ninian Edwards, formerly Governor, and W. H. Davidson. Edwards came out strongly for a continuance of the State policy, while Carli; remained non-committal. This was the first time that the two main political parties in this State were unembarrassed by any third party in the field. The result of the ele:tion was: Carlin, 35,573; Ander- son, 30,335; Edwards, 29,629; and Davidson, 28,- 7*5- Upon the meeting of the subsequent Legislature (1839), the retiring Governor CDuncan) in his roe* 136 THOMAS CARLTN. sage spoke in emphatic terms of the impolicy of the internal improvement system, presaging the evils threatened, and mged that body to do their utmost to correct the great error ; yet, on the contrary, the Legislature not only decided to continue the policy but also added to its burden by voting more appro- priations and ordering more improvements. Although the money market was still stringent, a further loan of $4,000,000 was ordered for the Illinois & Mich- igan Canal alone. Clvcago at that time began to loom up and promise to be an important city, even the great emporium of the West, as it has since in- deed came to be. Ex-Gov. Reynolds, an incompe- tent financier, was commissioned to effect the loan, and accordingly hastened to the East on this respons- ible errand, and negotiated the loans, at considera- ble sacrifice to the State. Besides this embarrassment x> Carlin's administration, the Legislature also de- clared that he had no authority to appoint a Secretary of State until a vacancy existed, and A. P. Field, a Whig, who had already held the post by appointment through three administrations, was determined to keep the place a while longer, in spite of Gov. Car- lin's preferences. The course of the Legislature in this regard, however, was finally sustained by the Supreme Court, in a quo warranto case brought up before it by John A. McClernand, whom the Gov- ernor had nominated for the office. Thereupon that dignified body was denounced as a "Whig Court!" endeavoring to establish the principle of life-tenure of office. A new law was adopted re-organizing the Judici- ary, and under it five additional Supreme Judges were elected by the Legislature, namely, Thomas Ford (afterward Governor), Sidney Breese, Walter B. Scates, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas — all Democrats. It was during Cov. Carlin's administration that the noisy campaign of " Tippecanoe and Tyler too " oc- curred, resulting in a Whig victory. This, however, did net affect Illinois politics very seriously. Another prominent event in the West during Gov. Carlin's term of office was the excitement caused by the Mormons and their removal from Independence, Mo., to Nauvoo, 111., in 1840. At the same time they began to figure somewhat in State politics. On account of their believing — as they thought, accord- ing to the New Testament — that they should have "all things common," and that consequently "all the earth " and all that is upon it were the" Lord's " and therefore the property of his " saints," they were suspected, and correctly, too, of committing many of the deeds of larceny, robbery, etc., that were so rife throughout this country in those days. Hence a feeling of violence grew up between the Mormons and "anti-Mormons." In the State of Missouri the Mormons always supported the Dem- ocracy until they were driven out by the Democratic government, when they turned their support to the Whigs. They were becoming numerous, and in the Legislature of 1840- r, therefore, it became a matter of great interest with both parties to conciliate these people. Through the agency of one John C. Ben- nett, a scamp, the Mormons succeeded in rushing through the Legislature (both parties not daring to oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which vir- tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed- Jgral^Government itself. In the fall of 1841 the Governor of- Missouri made a demand upon Gov. Carlin for the body of Joe Smith, the Mormon leader, as a fugitive from justice. Gov. Carlin issued tti3 writ, but for some reason it was returned unserved. It was again issued in 1842, and Smith was arrested, but was either rescued by his followers or discharged by the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus. In December, 1841, the Democratic Convention nominated Adam W. Snyder, of Belleville, for Gov- ernor. As he had been, as a member of the Legisla- ture, rather friendly to the Mormons, the latter naturally turned their support to the Democratic party. The next spring the Whigs nominated Ex- Gov. Duncan for the same office. In the meantime the Mormons began to grow more odious to the masses of the people, and the comparative prospects of the respective parties for success became very problematical. Mr. Snyder died in May, and Thomas Ford, a Supreme Judge, was substituted as a candidate, and was elected. At the close of his gubernatorial term, Mr. Carlin removed back to his old home at Carrollton, where he spent the remainder of his life, as before his ele- vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In 1849 he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the Illinois House of Representatives, and died Feb. 4, 1852, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife a id seven children. UBRAflV Of THE UNIVERSITY Of ILUNOIJ Oi 'ft-tOTs&^d GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 139 *■ ^i43d|i i^-^^p :"• A A A A A-A^A.A A A.A.A A A ;'. A :-. A A A AAA A A.AA A .A-AAA..". A, A A A A, A A A A A . . A A A A --f ■:r i£ ^ if&EV—^' ^3=H= =H=e^ gHOMAS FORD, Governor from 1842 to 1846, and au- thor of a very interesting history of Illinois, was born at Uniontown, Pa., in the year 1 800. His mother, after the death of her first hus- band (Mr. Forquer), married Rob- ert Ford, who was killed in 1802, by the Indians in the mountains of Pennsylvania. She was conse- quently left in indigent circum- stances, with a large family, mostly girls. With a view to better her condition, she, in 1804, removed to Missouri, where it had been cus- tomary by the Spanish Govern- ment to give land to actual settlers; but upon her arrival at St. Louis she found the country ceded to the United States, and the liberal policy toward set- tlers changed by the new ownership. After some sickness to herself and family, she finally removed to Illinois, and settled some three miles south of Water- loo, but the following year moved nearer the Missis- sippi bluffs. Here young Ford received his first schooling, under the instructions of a Mr. Humphrey, for which he had to walk three miles. His mother, though lacking a thorough education, was a woman of superior mental endowments, joined to energy and determination of character. She inculcated in her children those high-toned principles which dis- tinguished her sons in public life. She exercised a rigid economy to provide her children an education; but George Forquer, her oldest son (six years older than Thomas Ford), at an early age had to quit school to aid by his labor in the support of the family. He afterward became an eminent man in Illinois affairs, and but for his early death would probably have been elected to the United States Senate. Young Ford, with somewhat better opportunities, received a better education, though limited to the curriculum of the common school of those pioneer times. His mind gave early promise of superior en- dowments, with an inclination for mathematics. His proficiency attracted the attention of Hon. Daniel P. Cook, who became his efficient patron and friend. The latter gentleman was an eminent Illinois states- man who, as a Member of Congress, obtained a grant of 300,000 acres of land to aid in completing the Illinois & Michigan Canal, and after whom the I county of Cook was named. Through the advice of 140 THOMAS FORD. this gentleman, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the study of law; but Forquer, then merchandising, re- garding his education defective, sent him to Transyl- vania University, where, however, he remained but one term, owing to Forquer's failure in business. On his return he alternated his law reading with teach- ing school for support. In rS2Q Gov. Edwards appointed him Prosecuting Attorney, and in 1831 he was re-appointed by Gov. Reynolds, and after that he was four times elected a Judge by the Legislature, without opposition, twice a Circuit Judge, o ice a Judge of Chicago, and as As- sociate Judge of the Supreme Court, when, in 1841, the latter tribunal was re-organized by the addition of five Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity ne was holding Court in Ogle County he received a notice of his nomination by the Democratic Conven- tion for the office of Governor. He immediately re- signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In August, 1842, he was elected, and on the 8th of De- cember following he was inaugurated. All the offices which he had held were unsolicited by him. He received them upon the true Jefferson- jan principle, — Never to ask and never to refuse office. Both as a lawyer and as a Judge he stood deservedly high, but his cast of intellect fitted him rather for a writer upon law than a practicing advo- cate in the courts. In the latter capacity he was void of the moving power of eloquence, so necessary to success with juries. As a Judge his opinions were ?ound, lucid and able expositions of the law. In practice, he was a stranger to the tact, skill and in- sinuating address of the politician, but he saw through the arts of demagogues as well as any man. He was plain in his demeanor, so much so, indeed, that at one time after the expiration of his term of office, during a session of the Legislature, he was taken by a stranger lo be a seeker for the position of door- keeper, and was waited upon at his hotel near mid- night by a knot of small office-seekers with the view of effecting a " combination ! " Mr. Ford had not the " brass " of the ordinary politician, nor that impetuosity which characterizes a political leader. He cared little for money, and hardly enough for a decent support. In person he was of small stature, slender, of dark complexion, with black hair, sharp features, deep-set eyes, a pointed, aquiline nose having a decided twist to one side, and a small mouth. The three most important events in Gov. Ford's administration were the establishment of the high financial credit of the State, the " Mormon War "and .he Mexican War. In the first of these the Governor proved himself *x> be eminently wise. On coming into office he found the State badly paralyzed by the ruinous effects of ;r.e notorious "internal improvement" schemes of the preceding decade, with scarcely anything to show by way of "improvement." The enterprise that seemed to be getting ahead more than all the rest was the Illinois & Michigan Canal. As this promised to be the most important thoroughfare, feasible to the people, it was well under headway in its construction. Therefore the State policy was almost concentrated upon it, in order to rush it on tc completion. The bonded indebtedness of the State was growing so large as to frighten the people, and they were about ready to entertain a proposition for repudiation. But the Governor had the foresight to recommend such measures as would maintain the public credit, for which every citizen to-day feels thankful. But perhaps the Governor is remembered more for his connection with the Mormon troubles than for anything else; for it was during his term of office that the " Latter- Day Saints " became so strong at Nauvoo, built their temple there, increased their num- bers throughout the country, committed misdemean- ors, taught dangerous doctrines, suffered the loss of theirleader, Jo Smith, by a violent death, were driven "c^fft 6f"Nauvoo to the far West, etc. Having been a Judge for so many years previously, Mr. Ford of course was no i-committal concerning Mormon affairs, and was therefore claimed by both parties and also accused by each of sympathizing too greatly with the other side. Mormonism claiming to be a system of religion, the Governor no doubt was "between two fires," and felt compelled to touch the matter rather " gingerly," and doubdess felt greatly relieved when that pestilential people left the State. Such compli- cated matters, especially when religion is mixed up with them, expose every person participating in them to criticism from all parties. The Mexican War was begun in the spring of 1845, and was continued into the gubernatorial term of Mr. Ford's successor. The Governor's connection with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc. Ford's " History of Illinois " is a very readable and entertaining work, of 450 small octavo pages, and is destined to increase in value with the lapse of time. It exhibits a natural flow of compact and forcible thought, never failing to convey the nicest sense. In tracing with his trenchant pen the devious operations of the professional politician, in which he is inimit- able, his account is open, perhaps, to the objection that all his contemporaries are treated as mere place- seekers, while many of them have since been judged by the people to be worthy statesmen. His writings seem slightly open to the criticism that they exhibit a little splenetic partiality against those of his con- temporaries who were prominent during his term of office as Governor. The death of Gov. Ford took place at Peoria, 111., Nov. 2, 1850. OF TVE UNIVFRSITV Of r » I GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 143 I Augustus c. French. I ^iVW/^f ^5-^5. — o ''-XC-^sKi* - J ^f : >^ ""-iC^- rwffc' "*ji G>-.^i>'' er^''C''*p s ~ (sr^'V^ 3 BsSr ^-.iJOli • l.OEL A. MATTESON, Governor 1853-6, was born Aug. 8, 1808, in Jefferson County, New York, to which place his father had re- moved from Vermont three years before. His father was a farmer in fair circumstances, but a com- mon English education was all that his only son received. Young Joel first tempted fortune as a small tradesman in Prescott, Canada, before he was of age. He returned from that place to his home, entered an academy, taught school, visited the prin- cipal Eastern cities, improved a farm his father had given him, made a tour in the South, worked there in building railroads, experienced a slorm on the Gulf of Mexico, visited the gold diggings of Northern Georgia, and returned via Nashville to St. Louis and through Illinois to his father's home, when he mar- ried. In 1833, having sold his farm, he removed, with his wife and one child, to Illinois, and entered a claim on Government land near the head of Au Sable River, in what is now Kendall County. At that time there were not more than two neighbors within a range of ten miles of his place, and only diree or four houses between him and Chicago. He opened a large farm. His family was boarded 12 miles away while he erected a house on his claim, sleeping, during this time, under a rude pole shed. Here his life was once placed in imminent peril by a huge prairie rattlesnake sharing his bed. In rS35 he bought largely at the Government land sales. During the speculative real-estate mania which brokeoutin Chicagoin r836 and spread over the State, he sold his lnnds under the inflation of that period and removed to Joliet. In 1838 he became a heavy contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Upon the completion of his job in i84r, when hard times prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State scrip; when all the public works except the canal were abandoned, the State offered for sale 700 tons of railroad iron, which was purchased by Mr. Mat- teson at a bargain. This he accepted, shipped and sold at Detroit, realizing a very handsome profit, enough to pay off all his canal debts and leave him a surplus of several thousand dollars. His enterprise next prompted him to start a woolen mill at Joliet, in which he prospered, and which, after successive enlargements, became an enormous establishment. In r842 he was first elected a State Senator, but, by a bungling apportionment, j'z in Pearson, a Senator holding over, was found to be in the same districr, and decided to be entitled to represent it. Mat- te son's seat was declared vacant. Pearson, however with a nobleness difficult to appreciate in this day of 143 JOEL A. MATTESON. greed for office, unwilling to represent his district under the circumstances, immediately resigned his unexpired term of two years. A bill was passed in a few hours ordering a new election, and in ten days' time Mr. Matteson was relumed re-elected and took his seat as Senator. From his well-known capacity as a business man, he was made Chairman of the Committee on Finance, a position he held during this half and two full succeeding Senatorial terms, discharging its important duties with ability and faith- fulness. Besides his extensive woolen-mill interest, when work was resumed on the canal under the new loan of $1,600,000 he again became a heavy con- tractor, and also subsequently operated largely in building railroads. Thus he showed himself a most energetic and thorough business man. He was nominated for Governor by the Demo- cratic State Convention which met at Springfield April 20, rS52. Other candidates before the Con- vention were D. L. Gregg and F. C. Sherman, of Cook; John Dement, of Lee ; Thomas L. Harris, of Menard; Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton ; and D. P. Bush, of Pike. Gustavus Koerner, of St. Clair, was nom- inated for Lieutenant Governor. For the same offices the Whigs nominated Edwin B. Webb and Dexter A. Knowlton. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 v °tes at the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,408. Mat- teson's forte was not on the stump; he had not cul- tivated the art of oily flattery, or the faculty of being all things to all men. His intellectual qualities took rather the direction of efficient executive ability. His turn consisted not so much in the adroit manage- ment of party, or the powerful advocacy of great gov- ernmental principles, as in those more solid and enduring operations which cause the physical devel- opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce and business enterprise, into which he labored with success to lead the people. As a politician he was just and liberal in his views, and both in official and private life he then stood untainted and free from blemish. As a man, in active benevolence, social virtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or citizen, he had few superiors. His messages present a perspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant diction. The greatest excitement during his term of office was the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, by Con- gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in 1S54, when the bill was passed organizing the Terri- tory of Kansas and Nebraska. A large portion of the Whig party of the North, through their bitter op- position to the Democratic party, naturally drifted into the doctrine of anti-slavery, and thus led to what was temporarily called the "Anti-Nebraska" party, while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne- braska or Douglas Democrats." It was during this embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham Lincoln was brought forward as the "Anti-Nebraska" candidate for the United States Senatorship, while Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-nom- inated by the Democrats. But after a fewballotings in the Legislature (1855), these men were dropped, and Lyman Trumbull, an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, was brought up by the former, and Mr. Matteson, then Governor, by the latter. On the nth ballot M.r.' Trumbull obtained one majority, and was ac- cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson's term expired, the Republicans were fully organized as a national party, and in 1856 put into the field a full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but not the nation. The Legislature of 1855 passed two very import- ant measures, — the present free-school system and a submission of the Maine liquor law to a vote of the people. The latter was defeated by a small majority of the popular vote. During the four years of Gov. Matteson's admin- istration the taxable wealth of the State was about trebled, from $137,818,079 to $349,95 1,272 ; the pub- lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $12,843,- r44; taxation was at the same time reduced, and the State resumed paying interest on its debt in New York as fast as it fell due ; railroads were increased in their mileage from something less than 400 to about 3.000 ; and the population of Chicago was nearly doubled, and its commerce more than quad- rupled. Before closing this account, we regret that we have to say that Mr. Matteson, in all other respects an upright man and a good Governor, was implicated in a false re-issue of redeemed canal serin, amount- ing to $224,182.66. By a suit in the Sangamon Cir- cuit Court the State recovered the principal and all the interest excepting $27,500. He died in the winter of ^72-3, at Chicago. IJBRARY Of THE } ^L^U2£_ GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. J5 1 IH1 k ? H '~;-i'v i r .'i 1 .'!' :"i':-i'. r i' :."i' '.-i'--:-! 1 .•<'"■' ■' v ■" >■ '■> '•■'> '■'' '•'■ • '» '■ '' '■ '' '■ '• '■ '■ '■ '■•■'> '■'■'■ ■'< '■'' '• M ILLIAM H. BISSELL, Gov- ernor 1857-60, was born April 25, 1S11, in the State of New York, near Painted Post, Yates County. His parents were obscure, honest, God-fearing people, who reared their children under the daily example of industry and frugality, accord- ing to the custom of that class of Eastern society. Mr. Bissell received a respecta- ble but not thorough academical education. By assiduous application he acquired a knowledge of medicine, and in his early manhood came West and located in Mon- roe County, this State, where he engaged in the practice of that profession. But he was not enam- ored of his calling: he was swayed by a broader ambition, to such an extent that the mysteries of the healing art and its arduous duties failed to yield him further any charms. In a few years he discovered his choice of a profession to be a mistake, and when he approached the age of 30 he sought to begin anew. Dr. Bissell, no doubt unexpectedly to him- self, discovered a singular facility and charm of speech, the exercise of which acquired for him a ready local notoriety. It §0011 came to be under- stood that he desired to abandon his profession and take up that of the law. During terms of Court he would spend his time at the county seat among the members of the Bar, who extended to him a ready welcome. It was not strange, therefore, that he should drift into public life. In 1840 he was elected as a Dem- ocrat to the Legislature from Monroe County, and was an efficient member of that body. On his re- turn home he qualified himself for admission to the Bar and speedily rose to the front rank as an advo- cate. His powers of oratory were captivating. With a pure diction, charming and inimitable gestures, clearness of statement, and a remarkable vein of sly humor, his efforts before a jury told with irresistible effect. He was chosen by the Legislature Prosecut- ing Attorney for the Circuit in which he lived, and in that position he fully discharged his duty to the State, gained the esteem of the Bar, and seldom failed to convict the offender of the law. In stature he was somewhat tall and slender, and with a straight, military bearing, he presented a dis- tinguished appearance. His complexion was dark, his head well poised, though not large, his address pleasant and manner winning. He was exemplary in his habits, a devoted husband and kind parent. He was twice married, the first time to Miss James, '5 2 WILLIAM H. BISSELI. of Monroe County, by whom he had two children, both daughters. She died soon after the year 1840, and Mr. B. married for his second wife a daughter of Elias K. Kane, previously a United States Senator from this State. She survived him but a short time, and died without issue. When the war with Mexico was declared in 1846, Mr. Bissell enlisted and was elected Colonel of his regiment, over Hon. Don Morrison, by an almost unanimous vote, — 807 to 6. Considering the limited opportunities he had had, he evinced a high order of military talent. On the bloody field of Buena Vista he acquitted himself with intrepid and distinguished ability, contributing with his regiment, the Second Illinois, in no small degree toward saving the waver- ing fortunes of our arms during that long and fiercely contested battle. After his return home, at the close of the war, he was elected to Congress, his opponents being the Hons. P. B. Fouke and Joseph Gillespie. He served two terms in Congress. He was an ardent politician. During the great contest of 1850 he voted in favor of the adjustment measures; but in 1854 he opposed the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act and therefore the Kansas-Nebraska bill of Douglas, and thus became identified with the nascent Republican party. During his first Congressional term, while the Southern members were following their old practice of intimidating the North by bullying language, and claiming most of the credit for victories in the Mexican War, and Jefferson Davis claiming for the Mississippi troops all the credit for success at Buena Vista, Mr. Bissell bravely defended the Northern troops ; whereupon Davis challenged Bissell to a duel, which was accepted. This matter was brought up against Bissell when he was candidate for Governor and during his term of office, as the Constitution of this State forbade any duelist from holding a State office. In 1856, when the Republican party first put forth a candidate, John C. Fremont, for President of the United States, the same party nominated Mr. Bissell for Governor of Illinois, and John Wood, of Quincy, for Lieutenant Governor, while the Democrats nomi- nated Hon. W. A. Richardson, of Adams County, for Governor, and Col. R. J. Hamilton, of Cook County, for Lieutenant Governor. The result of th§ election was a plurality of 4.7 2 9 votes over Richard- son. The American, or Know-Nothing, party had a ticket in the field. The Legislature was nearly bal- anced, but was politically opposed to the Governor. His message to the Legislature was short and rather ordinary, and was criticised for expressing the sup- posed obligations of the people to the incorporators of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and for re- opening the slavery question by allusions to the Kansas troubles. Late in the session an apportion- ment bill, based upon the State census of 1855, was passed, amid much partisan strife. The Governor at first signed the bill and then vetoed it. A furious debate followed, and the question whether the Gov- ernor had the authority to recall a signature was referred to the Courts, that of last resort deciding in favor of the Governor. Two years afterward another outrageous attempt was made for a re-apportionment and to gerrymander the State, but the Legislature failedYo pass the bill over the veto of the Governor. It was during Gov. Bissell's administration that the notorious canal scrip fraud was brought to light, implicating ex-Gov. Matteson and other prominent State officials. The principal and interest, aggregat- ing $255,500, was all recovered by the State except- ing $27,500. (See sketch of Gov. Matteson.) In 1859 an attempt was discovered to fraudu- lently refund the Macalister and Stebbins bonds and thus rob the State Treasury of nearly a quarter of a million dollars. The State Government was impli- cated in this affair, and to this day remains unex- plained or unatoned for. For the above, and other matters previously mentioned, Gov. Bissell has been severely criticised, and he has also been most shame- fully libelled and slandered. On account of exposure in the army, the remote cause of a nervous form of disease gained entrance into his system and eventually developed paraplegia, affecting his lower extremities, which, while it left his body in comparative health, deprived him of loco- motion except by the aid of crutches. While he was generally hopeful of ultimate recovery, this myste- rious disease pursued him, without once relaxing its stealthy hold, to the close of his life, March 18, i860, over nine months before the expiration of his gubernatorial term, at the early age of 48 years. He died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, of which he har\ been a member since 1854, LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY P c ILUN •: GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. •55 #-# p- : OHN WOOD, Governor 1 860-1, and [$&* the first settler of Quincy, 111., was born in the town of Sempro- nius (now Moravia), Cayuga Co., N. Y., Dec. 20, 1798. He was the second child and only son of Dr. Daniel Wood. His mother, nee Catherine Crause, was of German parentage, and died while he was an infant. Dr. Wood was a learned and skillful physician, of classical attain- ments and proficient in several modern languages, who, after serving throughout the Revolu- tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on the land granted him by the Government, and resided there a re- spected and leading influence in his section until his death, at the ripe age of 92 years. The subject of this sketch, impelled by the spirit of Western adventure then pervading everywhere, left his home, Nov. 2, 1818, and passed the succeed- ing winter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following sum- mer he pushed on to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown, and spent the fall and following winter in Calhoun County. In 1820, in company with Willard Keyes, he settled in Pike County, about 30 miles southeast of Quincy, where for the next two years he pursued farming. In 182 1 he visited "the Bluffs" (as the present site of Quincy was called, then uninhabited) and, pleased with its prospects, soon after purchased a quarter-section of land near by, and in the follow- ing fall (1822) erected near the river a small cabin, 18 x 20 feet, the first building in Quincy > of which he then became the first and for some months the only occupant. About this time he visited his old friends in Pike County, chief of whom was William Ross, the lead- ing man in building up the village of Atlas, of that county, which was thought then to be the possible commencement of a city. One day they and others were traveling together over the country between the two points named, making observations on the com- parative merits of the respective localities. On ap- proaching the Mississippi near Mr. Wood's place, the latter told his companions to follow him and he would show them where he was going to build a city. They went about a mile off the main trail, to a high point, from which the view in every direction was most magnificent, as it had been for ages and as yet untouched by the hand of man. Before them swept by the majestic Father of Waters, yet unburdened by navigation. After Mr. Wood had expatiated at length on the advantages of the situation, Mr. Ross replied, "But it's too near Atlas ever to amount to anything!" Atlas is still a cultivated farm, and Quincy is 3 city of over 30,000 population. In 1824 Mr. Wood gave a newspaper notice, as the law then prescribed, of his intention to apply to the General Assembly for the formation of a new county. This was done the following winter, result- ing in the establishment of the present Adams County. During the next summer Quincy was se- lected as the county seat, it and the vicinity then containing but four adult male residents and half '5° JOHN WOOD. that number of females. Since that period Mr. Wood resided at the place of his early adoption un- til his death, and far more than any other man was he identified with every measure of its progress and history, and almost continuously kept in public posi- tions. He was one of the early town Trustees, and after the place became a city he was often a member of the City Council, many times elected Mayor, in the face of a constant large opposition political majority. In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1856, on the organization of the Republican party, he was chosen Lieutenant Governor of the State, on the ticket with Win. H. Bissell for Governor, and on the death of the latter, March 18, i860, he succeeded to the Chief Executive chair, which he occupied until Gov. Yates was inaugurated nearly ten months after- ward. Nothing very marked characterized the adminis- tration of Gov. Wood. The great anti-slavery cam- paign of i860, resulting in the election of the honest Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the United States, occurred during the short period while Mr. Wood was Governor, and the excitement and issues of that struggle dominated over every other consideration, — indeed, supplanted them in a great measure. The people of Illinois, during all that time, were passing the comparatively petty strifes under Bissell's administration to the overwhelming issue of preserving the whole nation from destruction. In 186 1 ex-Gov. Wood was one of the five Dele- gates from Illinois to the " Peace Convention " at Washington, and in April of the same year, on the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was appointed Quartermaster-General of the State, which position he held throughout the war. In 1864 he took com- mand as Colonel of the 137th 111. Vol. Inf., with whom he served until the period of enlistment ex- pired. Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identi- fied with the Whig and Republican parties. Few men have in personal experience comprehended so many surprising and advancing local changes as vested in the more than half century recollections of Gov. Wood. Sixty-four years ago a solitary settler 0:1 the "Bluffs," with no family, and no neighbor within a score of miles, the world of civilization away behind him, and the strolling red-man almost his only visitant, he lived to see growing around him, and under his auspices and aid, overspreading the wild hills and scraggy forest a teaming city, second only in size in the State, and surpassed nowhere in beauty, prosperity and promise; whose people recog- nize as with a single voice the proverbial honor and liberality that attach to the name and lengthened life of their pioneer settler, "the old Governor." Gov. Wood was twice married, — first in January, 1826, to Ann M. Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter, formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. 8, 1863, and in June, 1865, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4, 1880, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eight children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Mary J. Abernethy; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner, and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. The last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and all the rest are still at Quincy. LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY r- D GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 'Si ||i«flia^& ^alf£. fffcPMCHARD YATES, the "War Governor," 1861-4, was born Jan. 18, 1818, on the banks of the Ohio River, at Warsaw, Gallatin Co., Ky. His lather moved in 1831 to Illinois, and after stopping for a time in Springfield, settled at Island Grove, Sangamon County. Here, after attending school, Richard joined the family. Subsequently he entered Illinois College at Jacksonville, where, in 1837, he graduated with first honors. He chose for his pro- fession the law, the Hon. J. J. Har- din being his instructor. After ad- mission to the Bar he soon rose to distinction as an advocate. Gifted with a fluent and ready oratory, he soon appeared in the political hustings, and, being a passionate admirer of the great Whig leader of the West. Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to he party of his idol. In 1 840 he engaged with great mdor in the exciting " hard cider " campaign for Harrison. Two years later he was elected to the Legislature from Morgan County, a Democratic stronghold. He served three or four terms in the Legislature, and such was the fascination of his ora- ry that by 1850 his large Congressional District, extending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties forth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him tne Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop- v'ar man who had won distinction at the battle of Cerro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had aeaten Hon. Stephen T. Logan for the same position, two years before, by a large majority. Yates wa? elected. Two years later he was re-elected, over John Calhoun. It was during Yates second term in Congress that the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Com- promise was agitated, and the bars laid down for re- opening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He took strong grounds against the repeal, and thus became identified with the rising Republican party. Conse- quently he fell into the minority in his district, which was pro-slavery. Even then, in a third contest, he fell behind Major Harris only zoo votes, after the district had two years before given Pierce 2,000 majority for President. The Republican State Convention of i860 met at Decatur May 9, and nominated for the office of Gov- ernor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B, Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Svvett, of Blooming- ton, two of the ablest men of the State, who were also candidates before the Convention. Francis A. Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr. Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re- membered as characterized by the great whirlpool which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion. The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen cf Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. The Breckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party had also full tickets in the field. After a most fear- ful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr. Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr Allen 159,253. Mr. Yates received over a thousand more votes than did Mr. Lincoln himself. Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the i6o RICHARD YATES. most critical period of our country's history. In the fate of the nation was involved that of each State. The life struggle of the former derived its sustenance from the loyalty of the latter; and Gov. Yates seemed to realize the situation, and proved himself both loyal and wise in upholding the Government. He had a deep hold upon the affections of the people, won by his moving eloquence and genial manners. Erect and symmetrical in person, of pre- possessing appearance, with a winning address and a magnetic power, few men possessed more of the ele- ments of popularity. His oratory was scholarly and captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they were transported. He was social and convivial. In the latter respect he was ultimately carried too far. The very creditable military efforts of this State during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers, were ever promptly and ably seconded by his excel- lency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of "the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battleof Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were promptly responded to by the people. His procla- mations calling for volunteers were impassionate appeals, urging upon the people the duties and re- quirements of patriotism; and his special message in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equaled in beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes- sages on political and civil affairs were able and com- prehensive. During his administration, however, there were no civil events of an engrossing character, although two years of his time were replete with partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military ar- rests, Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of 1862, were the chief local topics that were exciting during the Governor's term. This Convention assem- bled Jan. 7, and at once took the high position that *he law calling it was no longer binding, and that it l'.ad supreme power; that it represented a virtual assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was sovereign in the exercise of all power necessary to effect a peaceable revolution of the State Government and to the re-establishmentof one for the "happiness, prosperity and freedom of the citizens," limited only by the Federal Constitution. Notwithstanding the law calling the Convention required its members to take an oath to support the Constitution of the State as well as that of the general Government, they utterly refused to take such oath. They also as- sumed legislative powers and passed several import- ant "laws!" Interfering with the (then) present executive duties, Gov. Yates was provoked to tell them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right of the Convention to instruct him in the performance of his duty." In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to waste time upon various partisan resolutions ; and, while the two houses were disagreeing upon the question of adjourning sine die, the Governor, having * the'authority in such cases, surprised them all by adjourning ftiem " to the Saturday next preceding the first Monday in January, 1865 !" This led to great excitement and confusion, and to a reference of the Governor's act to the Supreme Court, who decided in his favor. Then it was the Court's turn to receive abuse for weeks and months afterward. During the autumn of 1864 a conspiracy was de- tected at Chicago which had for its object the liber- ation of the prisoners of war at Camp Douglas, the burning of the city and the inauguration of rebellion in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the camp at the time, first had his suspicions of danger aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters which passed through the Camp postofifice. A de- tective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen. Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed name, and he, with other rebel officers — Grenfell, Morgan, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles Walsh — was arrested, most of whom were convicted by a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to imprisonment, — Grenfell to be hung. The sentence of the latter was afterward commuted to imprison- ment for life, and all the others, after nine months' imprisonment, were pardoned. In March, 1873, Gov. Yates was appointed a Gov- ernment Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, in which office he continued until his decease, at St. Louis, Mo., on tbe 27th of November following. ■ imikfcf Of THE GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. •63 Michard J. Ogles — "j- «M« TCHARD J. OGLESBY, Gov- ernor 1865-8, and re-elected in 1S72 and 1884, was born July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co., Ky., — the State which might g;.x, be considered the " mother of Illinois Governors." Bereft of his parents at the tender age of eight years, his early education was neglected. When 12 years of age, and after he had worked a year and a half at the carpenter's trade, he removed with an uncle, Willis Oglesby, into whose care he had been committed, to Decatur, this State, where lie continued his ap- prenticeship as a mechanic, working six months for Hon. E. O. Smith. In 1844 he commenced studying law at Spring- field, with Judge Silas Robbins, and read with him one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County. The next year the war with Mexico was com- menced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered, was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in the bat- tles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo. On his return he sought to perfect his law studies by attending a course of lectures at Louisville, but on the breaking out of the California "gold fever " in 1849, he crossed the plains and mountains to the new Eldorado, driving a six-mule team, with a com- pany of eight men, Henry Prather being the leader. In 1852 he returned home to Macon County, and was placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket of Presidential Electors. In 1856 he visited Europe, Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his return home he resumed the practice of law, as a member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. In 1858 he was the Republican no ninee for the Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 he was elected to the Illinois State Senate ; and on the evening the returns of this election were coming in. Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious, and which was regarded as " the first fight of the Rebellion." The following spring, when the war had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and he enlisted. The extra session of the Legislature elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry, the second one in the State raised to suppress the great Rebellion. He wis shortly entrusted with important com- mands. For a time he was stationed at Bird's Point and Cairo; in April he was promoted Brigadier Gen- eral; at Fort Donelson his brigade was in the van, being stationed on the right of General Grant's army and the first brigade to be attacked. He lost 500 men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these men were from Macon County. He was engaged in the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball, and was carried from the field in expectation of irn- 164 RICHARD J. OGLESBY. mediate death. That rebel ball he carries to this day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as Major General, for gillantry, his commission to rank from November, 1862. In the spring of 1863 he was assigned to the command of the 16th Army Corps, but, owing to inability from the effects of his wound, he relinquished this command in July, that year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his resignation, and he was detailed, in December follow- ing, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of the Army at Washington, where he remained until May, 1864, when he returned home. The Republican, or Union, State Convention of 1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr. Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor, while other candidates before the Convention were Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois, of Sanga- mon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. Wm. Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant Governor. On the Democratic State ticket were James C. Robinson, of ("lark, for Governor, and S. Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor. The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority-' of about 3t,ooo votes. The Republicans had also a majority in both the Legislature and in the repre- sentation in Congress. Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. 17, 1865. The day before the first time set for his installation death visited his home at Decatur, and took from it his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This caused the inauguration to be postponed a week. The political events of the Legislative session of 1865 were the election of ex-Gov. Yates to the United States Senate, and the ratification of the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States, abolishing slavery. This session also signalized itself by repealing the notorious " black laws," part of which, although a dead letter, had held their place upon the statute books since 1819. Also, laws re- quiring the registration of voters, and establishing a State Board of Equalization, were passed by this Leg- islature. But the same body evinced that it was cor- ruptly influenced by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, nota- bly an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse railway, granted in 1859 for 25 years, and now sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure was promptly passed over his veto by both branches of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to attempt to check their headlong career. At this session no law of a general useful character or public interest was perfected, unless we count such the turning over of the canal to Chicago to be deepened. The session of 1867 was still more productive of private and special acts. Many omnibus bills were proposed, and some passed. The contests over the vocation of the Industrial College, the Capital, the Southern Penitentiary, and the canal enlargement and Illinois River improvement, dominated every- thing else. Daring the year 1872, it became evident that i( the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to the office of Governor, they could also elect him to the United States Senate, which they desired to do. Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Execu- tive chair, and placed upon the ticket with him for Lieutenant Governor, John L. Beveridge, of Cook County. On the other side the Democrats put into the field Gustavus Koerner for Governor and John C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from 35,334 to 56,174, — the Democratic defection being caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket for President. According to the general understand- ing had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate, whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Sena- tor Oglesby 's term expired March 4, 1879, having i ser.ved his party faithfully and exhibited an order of statesmanship beyond criticism. During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was nominated for a "third term" as Executive of the State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both gentlemen "stumped " the State, and while the peo- ple elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joint ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Gov- ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1885. The Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on account of its equal division between the two main parties and the consequent desperate tactics of each party to checkmate the latter in the organization of the House. Gov. Oglesby is a fine-appearing, affable man, with regular, well defined features and rotund face. In stature he is a little above medium height, of a large frame and somewhat fleshy. His physical appear- ance is striking and prepossessing, while his straight- out, not to say bluff, manner and speech are weL calculated favorably to impress the average masses. Ardent in feeling and sirongly committed to the pol- icies of his party, he intensifies Republicanism among Republicans, while at the same time his jovial and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite party from hating him. He is quite an effective stump orator. With vehe- ment, passionate and scornful tone and gestures, tremendous physical power, which in speaking he exercises to the utmost; with frequent descents to the grotesque; and with abundant homely compari- sons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadest vernacular and enforced with stentorian emphasis, he delights a promiscuous audience beyond measure, IffiRARV OF THE WUVERSITV p«r i n« Sl^^cl^ GO FERiVORS OF ILLINOIS. John ML Pal web •Ji^ ^, • — -«— 4 — *swi |;OHN Mc AULEY PALMER, Gov- ernor 1869-72, was born on Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Ky ., Sept. 13, 1817. During his in- j" fancy, his father, who had been a soldier in the war of 18 12, re- moved to Christian Co., Ky., where lands were cheap. Here the future Governor of the great Prairie State spent his childhood and received such meager school- ing as the new and sparsely set- tled country afforded. To this he added materially by diligent reading, for which he evinced an His father, an ardent Jackson man, was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 1831 he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison County. Here the labor of improving a farm was pursued for about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's mother broke up the family. About this time Alton College was opened, on the "manual labor " system, and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his elder brother, Elihu, entered this school and remained 18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching. During the summer of 1838 he formed the ac- quaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his early aptitude. first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confi- dence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The following winter, while teaching near Canton, he be- gan to devote his spare time to a desultory reading of law, and in the spring entered a law office at Car- linville, making his home with his elder brother, Elihu. (The latter was a learned clergyman, of con- siderable orginality of thought and doctrine.) On the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was ad- mitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his examiners. He was not immediately successful in his profession, and wou'd have located elsewhere than Carlinville had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes the success of his life. From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his profession, he participated more or less in local politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. Ip 1847 he was elected to the State Constitutional Con vention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 he, was elected to the State Senate, and at the special session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slaver) sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in op position to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. and when the Nebraska question became a part] issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for tin Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuing a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterward. 10 63 JOHN MC A U LEV PALMER. however, hesitating to break with his party, he par- ticipated in a Congressional Convention which nomi- T. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which unqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas- Nebraska act. But later in the campaign he made the plunge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, and was elected. The following winter he put in nomination for the ^United States Senate Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men who voted for him until all the Whigs came to their support and elected their man. In 1S56 he was Chairman of the Republican State Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in 1859, but was defeated. In i860 he was Republican Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861 ne was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Re- publicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at Washington. When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the J4th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in the engagements'' at Island No. 10 ; at Farmington, where he skillfully extricated his command from a dangerous position ; at Stone River, where his division for several hours, Dec. 31, 1862, held the advance and stood like a rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major General; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's divisions for two hours maintained their position when they were cut off by overpowering numbers. Under Gen. Sherman, he was assigned to the 14th Army Corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign. At Peach-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as- signed to the military administration of Kentucky, which was a delicate post. That State was about half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves. He, who had been bred to the rules of common law, trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary power over the persons and property of his fellow men, with which he was vested in his capacity as military Governor; and he exhibited great caution in the execution of the duties of his post. Gen. Palmar was nominated for Governor of Illi- nois by the Republican State Convention which met at Peoria May 6, 1868, and his nomination would probably have been made by acclamation had he not persistently declared that he could not accept a can- didature for the office. The result of the ensuing election gave Mr. Palmer a majority of 44,707 over John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee. On the meeting of the Legislature in January, 1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was that portion of the Governor's message which took broad Slate's rights ground. This and some minor points, which were more in keeping with the Demo- cratic sentiment, constituted the e itering wedge fur the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received from the Republican party, and ultimately resulted in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The Legislature just referred to was noted for the intro- duction of numerous bills in the interest of private parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor. Among the public acts passed was that which limited railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto, t)ie "tax-grabbing law" to pay r^.ilror.i subscriptions, the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The riew State' "CcAVstrrutibn of 1870, far superior to the old, was a peaceful " revolution" which took place during Gov. Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the great Chicago Fire of October, 1871, was greatly alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency. Since the expiration of Gov. Palmers's term, he has been somewhat prominent in Illinois politics, and has been talked of by many, especially in the Dem- ocratic party, as the best man in the State for a United States Senator. His business during life has been that of the law. Few excel him in an accurate appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles- The great number of his able veto messages abun- dantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to point them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner and an interesting, forcible and convincing speaker, though not fluent or ornate. Without brilliancy, his dealings are rather with facts and ideas than with appeals to passions and prejudices. He is a patriot and a statesman of very high order. Physically he is above the medium height, of robust frame, ruddy complexion and sanguine-nervous temperament. He has a large cranial development, is vivacious, social in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his habits of life, democratic in his habits and manners and is a true American in his fundamental principle* of statesmanship. JJBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY f c s GU VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. i7» , ;,>, •..'••..'■'•.. , i-.-»r-..'r , ..'i'-.. , i •.,vvv.^.-..'r , ..v.. , x'. : v : .' : ■■■ .•.'.*.' .•■'.'.' .' ■■^•^^V-.-V'ii."' ft©l^ ; i'v i | .:i i :i i ^:i i :i | t ;.i'.; i^;"i'.: ■' : >' : <' ': <: ■:> '.■'■ •.-'■ •.' '■ ■ '■ "'■ '■ '■ '■ "■ '■'■'■ '■ '■ "•'■'■ ''"■''■''''■ ' l I OHN LOWRiE BEVER- IDGE, Governor 1873-6, was born in the town of Green- wich, Washington Co., N. Y., July 6, 1824. His parents were George and Ann Bever- idge. His father's parents, An- drew and Isabel Beveridge, be- fore their marriage emigrated from Scotland just before the Revolutionary War, settling in Washington County. His father was the eldest of eight brothers, the youngest of whom was 60 years of age when the first one of the num- ber died. His mother's parents, James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated from Scotland at the close of the Revolutionary War, settling also in :[G Washington Co., N. Y., with their first-bom, whose " native land " was the wild ocean. His parents and grandparents lived beyond the time allotted to man, their average age being over 80 years. They belonged to the " Asso- ciate Church," a seceding Presbyterian body of America from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid was the training of young Beveridge that he never heard a sermon from any other minister except that of his own denomination until he was in his 19th year. Later in life he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which relation he still holds. Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school ed- ucation, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood only by rigid economy and industry, could not send him away to college. He was raised upon a farm, and was in his 18th year when the family removed to De Kalb County, this State, when that section was very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000 inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a farm laborer, teaching school during the winter months to supply the means of an education. In the fall of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at Granville, Putnam Co., 111., and subsequently several terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris, Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At this time, the fall of 1845, his parents and brothers were anxious to have him go to college, even though he had not money sufficient; but, njt willing to bur- den the family, he packed his trunk and with only $40 in money started South to seek his fortune r 7 2 JOHN L. BEVERIDGE. Toor, alone, without friends and influence, he thus entered upon the battle of life. First, he taught school in Wilson, Overton and Jackson Cos., Tenn., in which experience he under- went considerable mental drill, both in book studies and in the ways of the world. He read law and was admitted to the Bar, in the South, but did not learn to love the institution of slavery, although he ad- mired many features of Southern character. In De- cember, 1847, he returned North, and Jan. 20, 1848, he married Miss Helen M. Judson, in the old Clark- Street M. E. church in Chicago, her father at that time being Pastor of the society there. In the spring of 1848 he returned with his wife to Tennessee, where his two children, Alia May and Philo Judson, were born. In the fall of 1849, through the mismanagement of an associate, he lost what little he had accumu- lated and was left in debt. He soon managed to earn means to pay his debts, returned to De Kalb Co., 111., and entered upon the practice of his pro- fession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival from the South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced i'aw, worked in public offices, kept books for some of the business men of the town, and some railroad en- gineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed to Evanston, 12 miles north of Chicago, a place then but recently laid out, under the supervision of the Northwestern University, a Methodist institution. Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law office in Chicago, where he found the battle some- what hard; but he persevered with encouragement and increasing success. Aug. 12, 1 861, his law partner, Gen. John F. Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment of cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a company for it. He succeeded in a few days in rais- ing the company, of course enlisting himself along with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles, 111., was mustered in Sept. 1 S, and on its organiza- tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at- tached, Oct. ir, to the Eighth Cavalry and to the Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment until November, 1863, participating in some 40 bat- tles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days ' fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- ville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment the greater part of the summer of 1863, and it was while lying in camp this year that he originated the policy of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capac- ity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system It worked so well that many other officers adopted it. In the fall of this year he recruited another com- pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was commissioned Colonel of the 17th 111. Cav., and skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered out Feb. 6, 1866, safe from the casualties of war and a stouter mar. than when he first enlisted. His men idolized him. ' "'. He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, with no library and no clientage, and no political experi- ence except to help others into office. In the fall of 1S66 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving one term; next, until November, 1870, he practiced law and closed up the unfinished business of his office. He was then elected State Senator; in No- vember, 187 1, he was elected Congressman at large; in November, 1872, he was elected Lieutenant Gov- ernor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby; the latter be- ing elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became Governor, Jan. 21, 1873. Thus, inside of a few weeks, he was Congressman at large, Lieutenant Governor and Governor. The principal events oc- curring during Gov. Beveridge 's administration were: The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun in 1869; the partial success of the "farmers' move- ment;" " Haines' Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at the Centennial. Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Bever- idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial paper at 7 1 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block), Chicago, and since November, 1881, he has also been Assistant United States Treasurer - office in the Government Building. His residence is still at Ev- anston. He has a brother and two sisters yet residing in De Kalb County — James H. Beveridge, Mrs. Jennet Henry and Mrs. Isabel French. i/BBARY OF THE UNIVERSITV f^ i GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 175 ^K ^"^jftl I^L^fe Sbelb y M. Cullom. ■\W" w^pr-fejji.^^^*-' &^tw<§r tap '■fco ^ : as= C=L)2=I HELBY M. CULLOM, Gover- nor 1S77— S3, is the sixth child of the late Richard N. Cullom, and was born Nov. 22, 1829, in Wayne Co., Ky., where his fa- ther then resided, and whence both the Illinois and Tennessee branches of the family originated. In the following year the family emi- grated to the vicinity of Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., when that section was very sparsely settled. They lo- cated on Deer Creek, in a grove at the time occupied by a party of In- dians, attracted there by the superior hunting and fishing afforded in that vicinity. The following winter was known as the " hard winter," the snow being very deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a prom- inent citizen and was several times elected to the Legislature, both before and after the removal of the capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He died about '-873- Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up to agricultural pursuits, attending school as he had opportunity during the winter. Within this time, nowever, he spent several months teachioo school- and in the following summer he "broke prairie "with an ox team for the neighbors. With the money ob- tained by these various ventures, he undertook a course of study at the Rock River Seminary, a Methodist institution at Mt. Morris, Ogle County; but the sudden change to the in-door life of a stu- dent told severely upon his health, and he was taken home, being considered in a hopeless condition. While at Mt. Morris he heard Hon. E. B. Washburne make his first speech. On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to study law, under the instruction of Abraham Lincoln, at Springfield, who had by this time attained some notoriety as an able lawyer; but the latter, being ab- sent from his office most of the time, advised Mr. Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards. After about a year of study there, however, his health failed again, and he was obliged to return once more to oat-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for packing, for A. G. Tyng, in Peoria, and while he re- gained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, he went to Springfield, where he was soon elected City Attorney, on the Anti-Nebraska ticket. In 1856 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presi- dential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as such, he was at the same time elected a Representa- tive in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by a local coalition of the American and Republican par- tics. On the organization of the House, he received the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practicir^ 176 SHELB V M. CULLOM. law until i860, he was again elected to the Legisla- ture, as a Republican, while the county went Demo- cratic on the Presidential ticket. In January follow- ing he was elected Speaker, probably the youngest man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legis- lature. After the session of 1S61, he was a candidate for the State Constitutional Convention called for that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the disgrace of being connected with that abortive party scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In 1862 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but was defeated. The same year, however, he was ap- pointed by President Lincoln on a Government Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of Massachusetts and Cnarles A. Dana, since of the New York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty. In 1864 he enteied upon a larger political field, being nominated as the Republican candidate for Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in. opposition to the incumbent, JohnT. Stuart, who had been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago. The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in Novem- ber following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by the magnificent majority of 4 103! In 1868 he was again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edward;, another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes. During his first term in Congress he served on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Expenditures in the Treasury Department; in his second term, on the Committees on Foreign Affairs and o:i Territories ; and in his third term he succeeded Mr. Ashley, of Ohio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He intro- duced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of law in Utah, which caused more consternation among the Mormons than any measure had previously, but which, though it passed the House, failed to pass the Senate. The Republican Convention which met May 25, 1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieuten- ant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor of the Chicago Journal. For the same offices the Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists, olac&d in nomination Lewis Steward, a wealthy farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The result of the election was rather close, Mr. Cullom obtaining only 6,800 majority. He was inaugurated Jan. 8, 1877. Great depression prevailed in financial circles at this time, as a consequence of the heavy failures of 1S73 and afterward, the effect of which had seemed to gather force from that time to the end of Gov. Cullom's first administration. This unspeculative period was not calculated to call forth any new issues, but the Governor's energies were at one time put to task to quell a spirit of insubordination that had been begun in Pittsburg, Pa., among the laboring classes, and transferred to Illinois at Chicago, East St. Louis and Braidwood, at which places laboring men for a short time refused to work or allow others to work. These disturbances were soon quelled and the wheels of industry again set in motion. In May, 1880, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by the Democrats. ; .and although the former party was some- what handicapped in the campaign by a zealous faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected by about 314.5651 to 277,532 for the Democratic State ticket. The Greenback vote at the same time was about 27,000. Both Houses of the Legislature again became Republican, and no representative of the Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov. Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1S81. In his mes- sage he announced that the last dollar of the State debt had been provided for. March 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United States Senator from Illinois expired, and Gov. Cul- lom was chosen to succeed him. This promoted Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Gov- ernorship. Senator Cullom's term in the United States Senate will expire March 4, 1889. As a practitioner of law Mr. C. has been a member of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, at Spring- field ; and he has also been President of the State National Bank. He has been married twice, — the first time Dec. 12, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had two daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863, t-j Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mr. C. is also in sympathy, IJBRARY OF THE UN1VER8»TV f - ; GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. '79 ♦ 3£ * < * JOSEPH B11H). The annals of American biography are filled with Jtl^wrecords of heroic endeavors on the part of brave hoys who at the same time that they were hardened by poverty, cherished a burning ambition to excel in some branch of human knowledge or skill. Many a noble boy has not only tenderly cared for the dear ones who have been left destitute by their father's death jut has also planned for the ac- quisition of a liberal education that he might become fitted for the work to which he looked for- ward. Such an experience has been his of whom we write, and success has crowned his efforts, as it usually" rewards the industrious and judicious. Mr. Bird, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, is a wealthy capitalist of Carlinville. His riches have enabled him to do much for the benefit of his adopted city and county, and his name is closely associated with various enterprises that have ma- terially advanced their interests. He is well-known as the President of the Macoupin County Agricul- tural Board. A native of the State of Pennsylvania Mr. Bird was born on a farm in Butler County, May 4, 1828. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Bird, was of Eng- lish birth and spent his entire life in his native land. But two of his children ever came to Amer- ica, William, the father of our subject, and Mary, who married William Potter and died in Butler County, Pa. William Bird was born in London, England, and passed his early life in his English home, but soon after marriage came to this country and located in Butler County, Pa . where he bought a tract of land three miles north of Harmony. He resided there until 1836, when he sold his property and came to Illinois, traveling with a team to Pitts- burg, thirty miles distant. There he embarked on the Ohio River, and voyaged on the waters of that and the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Co'um- biana. Greene County, this State. He rented land there, and was in a fair way to prosper when death cut short his career in August, 1837, the county thus losing a practical, hard-working pioneer. His widow was left in limited circumstances with three children to care for. Our subject was only nine years old when he was thus sadly bereft of his father's care, and as he was the only son, he had to commence at once to help support the family. He was a bright, sturdy little lad and the twenty-five cents a day that he earned working on a farm during the busy season 192 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was a welcome addition to the family income. In 1839 and 1810 he worked during the summer sea- son for $6 a month and his board. In 1839 his mother removed toCarroIlton,and there be worked out in 1840 and 1841. Then, his mother having bought a farm, he assisted her in its management, and was thus engaged until 1849, when he rented the place of his mother and carried it on until 1851. In that, year he came to this county and purchased three hundred and five acres of hind in what is now Bird Township, paying $5 an acre for it. One hun- dred and forty acres were under cultivation, and a small frame house and a log stable stood in the place. Mr. Bird resided on that farm until 1879, and in the meantime sold a part of the land, but as his means accumulated he bought other land in the same township, and finally had one thousand and twenty-six acres of valuable land in his possession. In 1879 he came to Carlinville and bought his present elegant residence, which is pleasantly lo- cated on the corner of Last Main anil High Streets. With its well-kept grounds, handsome interior and rich and tasteful furnishings it is one of the most attractive. homes in the city. Mr. Bird generously attributes a share of his prosperity to the capable assistance of his wife, who is endowed with those attributes of character .that make her wise in counsel, an efficient house- wife, and a true helpmate to her husband. They began their wedded life more than folly .year in 1819. They have had children, of whom these three are spared to bless their declining years: Carrie, who married Forrest Gore and resides near Girard; Mary Olive, wife of Coy Roach, of Girard; and Daisy Mabel, who lives at home •with her parents. The following is the n of the children of our subject and his wife who have departed this life: Morris Edwin, their only son, born July 9. 1858, died February 6, 1877; Ida Alice, boni September 16, 1864, mar- ried Ellsworth Childs, and died June 3, 1890; Ada E., their first child, born August 11. 1856, died in December, 1858; Anna C, born May 22, 1860, died at the age of ten months. Mrs. Bird's name previous to her marriage was Eliza Ann Laster. She is a native' of Greene County. III., ami a daughter of Enoch and Charily ■(Hill) Easier, pioneers of that county. Her father was born near Murfreesborough, Tenn., and was a sou of Hardy Laster, one of the pioneer farm- ers of that section, who died in that State, Enoch Laster came to this Stale when a young man as early as 1829, and was one of the first set- tlers of Greene County, locating eight miles east of Carrollton, where he improved a farm, upon which he passed the remainder of his days. lie was quite prominent in the community. He was the Justice of tin- Peace for many years, and in his politics he was a sturdy Democrat. The Rev. Abner Hill, the maternal gravid father of Mrs. Bird, was a native of North Carolina, whence he removed lo Tennessee. In 1830 he c:iinc from there to Illinois, and was a pioneer Baptist preacher of Greene County. He was famous in his da}' in that section of the coun- try, preached in different places, ami helped to or- ganize several churches. He developed a farm mi .suing Prairie, and lived on it until 1850, when lie si ild it. and thereafter made his home with his children in this county, dying at the home of his daughter. Tlie maiden name of his wife was Annie Hill. Mis. Bird's mother married a second time after the death of her first husband, becoming the wife of John Courtney, and she died in Bird Tow nship. Mr. Bird is eminently a self-made man, as he be- gan life on his own account with no othe/ capital than his mental and physical endowments, but these have served him well, and he has accumu- lated a handsome fortune by a determined effort to overcome al! obstacles in the pathway of complete success, and by the exercise of a quick, unerring judgment in regard to the best means of making money. A man of strong, firm character and of large enterprise, he has been influential in various ways in pushing forward undertakings of import- ance that have been useful in furthering the rise and progress of the county. Especially is this true in regard to his connection with the Macoupin County Agricultural Board, of which he is one of the leading members. He was one of its organizers and as its President for the last six years he has gnaily helped lo make it one of our most servic- able institutions, which lias done much to introduce PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1!)3 the best modern methods <>f fanning and stock rais- ing to the notice of the people. Mr. Bird was also one of the organizers of the Carlinvillc National Bank in May, 1890, of which he was then elected Director. • r * .;_ JN^ calling many years, the last part of his life being spent at Waterbury. The father of our subject was reared amid the pleasant surroundings of his native State. For a number of years he was prosperously engaged in farming, but the closing years of his life were passed in retirement at Waterbury, Cquii., where he died in 1852. The maiden name of his wife was Clarinda VVelton. She was born in Litchfield County. Conn., and was a daughter of Jonathan Welton. She married a second time, becoming the wife of Samuel Holt, and now resides at New Haven, Conn. lie of whom this biography is written was the Only son of his parents, and he was thirteen years old when he had the misfortune to lose his father. He obtained a practical education in the public schools of Connecticut, which he attended until he was fourteen years old. He then came to Illinois with his uncle, Capt. Samuel Welton, and resid- ed with him in Carli.iville Township, assisting on the farm until 1851), when he returned to the East, and ambitious to extend his education, he attend- ed school at Watertown. He devoted himself assi- duously to his books until 1861, making rapid progress in his studies. The great civil strife be- Iween the North and the South broke out, and he watched its course with intense interest, aad in the opening years of a promising manhood, animated by the noble and self-sacrificing patriotism that characterized both the old and the young men of that day, he enlisted in the service of his country, bis name being enrolled as a member of Co. D., 1st Connecticut Squadron, in August, 1861. His com- pany was mustered in the same month at Hartford, Conn., and was immediately attached to the Second New York Cavalry, to which our subject, belonged PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 197 until May, 1863. He was then promoted to the position of Second Lieutenant, and was transferred to the Thirteenth New York Cavalry. He was subsequently made First Lieutenant of his com- pany, and later was commissioned its Captain, and commanded the company the last twelve months of his service. Our subject distinguished, himself in various encounters with the enemy, and won his spurs on many a hard fought battlefield, where he gave ample proof of intrepidity, cool daring and de- votion to the cause of the In ion. seconded by tact as a leader and quick wit and sagacity in case of emergencies. He was serving under Gen. Kil- patrick during Stoneman's raid, and it was his regiment that got inside the works around Richmond, captured a few prisoners, including some rebel officers, and dated their paroles from that city. Captain Castle was with the advanced corps at the battle of Falmouth, his regiment being the first to cross the river into Fredericksburg,and it guarded the rear of Pope's army dining the re- treat from Rapidan to Fairfax Court House. He was with Sheridan in his campaign in the Shenan- doah Valley, and took an active part in the battle of Winchester. January 11, 18G5, the captain resigned his commission and bade farewell to mili- tary life on account of disability. Our subject returned to Connecticut after he left the army, and then came once again to Carlin- ville. He gave his attention io farming until 1873, and then engaged in the livery business which lie conducted until 1890. In February of that year he was appointed Postmaster, and has ever since been at the head of the postoffice in this city. He is managing the affairs entrusted to his care, methodically, promptly, and in a business like manner, so as to satisfy all concerned, and his courtesy and geniality render him very popular. He has held other prominent positions, and in every case has displayed that true public spirit that seeks to promote the highest welfare of the country regardless of personal aggrandizement. He was a member of Hie Board of Aldermen, of Carlinville, from the First Ward one term, and in 1878 he was elected Mayor of the city. In licit capacity he used his influence to forward all schemes for the benefit of the public, and gave hearty support to all measures calculated to pro- mote the growth of the municipality. In 1884 Mr. Cattle was elected lo the State Legislature, and he look an active part in that memorable contest that lasted from January until May, ami terminated in the election of John A. Logan to the United States Senate, he standing firmly by the General from first to last. Politic- ally, the Republican party has always found in him a stanch adherent since he cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has been identified with the Macoupin County Board of Agriculture for many years, has served it as Director and Pres- ident, and for six years he has been Secretary of Hie board, that owes much to his zeal in its behalf. Socially, he is a member of the Dan Messick Post, No. 339, G. A. R.;of Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. A- A. M.;of Orient Lodge, No. 95, K. P.; of Silver Lodge, No. 325, K. of H.; and of Carlinville Camp, No. 125, M. W. A. The marriage of our subject September 8, 1868, with Miss Emma B. Fish back, a native of Ala- bama, and a daughter of William II. and Margaret Fishback, has been one of mutual happiness. They have three children living — William II., Louisa R. and George J. Their youngest child, Clara Belle, died at the age of seven years. ■:■%•*•%* «-"7^»HA\TS M. MITCHELL, who resides on his (r~\ pleasant farm on section 36, Brushy Mound vfy Township, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest native-born citizen of said township. His birth took place in his father's log cabin on sec- tion 24, February 13, 1833, he being the second son born to Elijah and .lane (Moore) Mitchell. See sketch of William T. Mitchell for parental his- tory. Travis M. attended the pioneer schools of this locality, which were taught in a log house on the subscription plan, each family paying in proportion lo the number of scholars sent. The teacher '■'hoarded around" with the parents of the pupils 198 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. throughout the district. Our subject was clothed in homespun manufactured by the deft hands of his mother, and the food that he and the rest of the family ate was cooked by her before an open fire- place. Before the advent of the railways the peo- ple lived principally on the products of the farm. Our subject remained at home until 1854 with his parents, and his father then, oil his attain- ing his majority- gave him a horse and saddle, which, with about $20 in cash, comprised his entire capital with which to begin life on his own ac- count. But that was sufficient for a young man of his calibre and wide-awake activity, and in the course of time he has increased it many fold, and is one of the wealthy men of his township. In the fall of the same year that he left the parental abode, after engaging for awhile in driving a team to break prairie, receiving half the profits, he rented of John Moore a tract of land in Honey Point Township, and put in a crop of wheat. In 1876 his father gave him seventy acres of prairie on the western half of the northeast quarter of section 36, Brushy Mound Township, and which is included in his present farm. The same year he bought twenty acres of land adjoining his place, and ten acres of which were timber. He has developed his estate into a fine farm, which is replete with all modern improvements, including a neat and commodious set of frame buildings, and his well kept fields and pastures yield him a handsome income. He has in- creased the acreage of his farm until he has four hundred and ninety-five acres of realty that is in a fine condition. On the 15th of April, 1858. Mr. Mitchell mar- ried Miss Sarah Eliza Jackson, a native of Honey Point Township, where she was born November 25, 1840. Their pleasant wedded life has brought to them one son, Frederick Elijah. Our subject and his estimable wife enjoy to a marked degree the esteem and confidence of all who know them, as in their daily lives they show themselves to be kindly, warm-hearted people, who are thoughtful and geu- erous toward others, and are in every sense of the word Christians. Religiously, they are valued members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Mitchell comes of one of the old and well- known pioneer families of this county. Her father, Frederick A. Jackson, was born in Claysville, Har- rison County, Ky., October 1, 1818, and was a son of William Jackson, a native of the same county. The father of the latter, great-grandfather of Mrs. Mitchell, was Jonathan Jackson. He was a native of Virginia, where he was reared and married, Eliza Olds becoming his wife. She was also a Vir- ginian, and was a daughter of Jesse Olds, a native of the same State. Mr. Olds removed from Vir- ginia to the Northwest Territory in the early days of the settlement of that part of the country, and .stopped fur a time on the present site of Vincennes, which was then a trailing post. From there he went to Harrison County, Ky., and taught in dif- ferent seminaries and academies in that State, hav- ing previously taught at Vermont and Vincennes. He was a graduate of Yale College, and a line scholar. He also seems to have been a thorough business man, for. coming to Macoupin County in 18:54, he settled in Honey Point Township, buying with his son Augustus quite a tract of land; he be- came wealthy, and at one time owned upward of thirty thousand acres in this county. He taught a few terms in Honey Point Township when he first located there, and he resided there the remainder of his life. The maiden name of his wife, great- greal-grandmother of Mrs. Mitchell, was Mercy Taft. She was born in Massachusetts and died in Madison County, this State. After his marriage, Jonathan Jackson went to Kentucky and was a pioneer of Harrison County, where he bought land and improved a farm, his death taking place there. His son William Jack- son, was a blacksmith, and carried on his trade in connection with farming, his entire life being passed in Harrison County, when; he died in 1849. His wife survived him many years, her death finally occurring at Claysville, Ky., in July, 1887. Frederick A. Jackson was reared in his native county, and when eighteen years old left the pa- rental home and came to Illinois by the way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Alton, and thence on foot to his destination in this county. He found employment on a farm, working by the month. At the time of his marriage he settled on a wild tract of land he had purchased in Honey Point Town- ship. He erected a log house in which he and his PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 199 bride commenced housekeeping, and lived there about seventeen years. He then sold his property in this county, and went back to Kentucky, and re- mained there three years. He then returned to Macoupin County, where he has since resided, pur- chasing the farm he now occupies in Brushy Mound Township. Mr. Jackson was married March 7, 1839, to Miss Sarah Scott, a native of North Carolina, and is a daughter of Robert and Martha Scott, also natives of that State, and pioneers of this county. After a marriage of more than half a century Mrs. Jackson departed this life June 6, 1890, leaving behind her the record of many well -spent days. ESHACH SIIULTZ, one of the leading citizens of Shipman, who is now a retired farmer, is the gentleman whose name is at the head of this biographical notice. His father was Adam Shultz who was born in Somerset County, Pa., about the year 1789. His mother trad Nancy Shockey, who was also a native of the same portion of the country as her husband, her birth year being 1802. After marriage they set- tled in their native county and in the course of time removed from there to Alleghany County, Md., in May, 1836, and lived there until his death which occurred in 1864 when he was in his seventy-sixth year. His widow came to Illinois about 1866 and still resides in Shipman with her daughter. They had a large family of fourteen children of whom our subject was the seventh in order of birth. Mr. Shultz was born in Somerset County, Pa., May 28, 1831. He was about five years of age when his parents removed to Alleghany County, Md. There he grew to manhood under the mild influences incident to farm life. Arriving at years of manhood he was united in marriage in bis adopted State March 20, 1853 to Miss Charlotte Augustine, a daughter of Jacob F. R. and Jus- dinah (Null) Augustine. The former was a native of Somerset County, Pa., and the latter was born near Hagerstown, Md. They settled in Somerset County, Pa., and there lived until he died, when about forty years of age. The mother still sur- vives, at an advanced age. They had ten children of whom Mrs. Shultz is the third. She was born in Somerset County, Pa., April 80, 1835. There she grew to womanhood and lived until her mar- riage. The original of this life record with his wife, spent the first years of married life in Alleghany County, Md., and Somerset County-, Pa., until 1869 when they came to this county and settled in Ship- man Township on section 24, where they continued to live until the spring of 1891, when our subject retired from the active duties of farm life which he had so long pursued and removed to the village of Shipman where with his amiable and most worthy wife he intends to pass the afternoon of a life that has been occupied with the affairs and business of an energetic career. Mr. and Mrs. Shultz have welcomed to their hearthstone eight children. They are: Marshall A. Alonzo M., Jennie, Franklin S-, Cora M., Herman J., Alice L., and Chester A. The eldest child died when only four years of age. Alonzo was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Mitchell. Jennie is the wife of William A. Fisher. Franklin mar- ried Miss Jessie F. Talley ; Cora is the partner of the joys and sorrows of F. M. Dodson; Herman was united to Miss Winifred Smith. All of the children are bright and intelligent and hold pro- minent positions in the social life of the commu- nity. The original of this sketch has filled the office of Supervisor of Shipman Township for three years and has been a School Director for three years. He is now serving as Supervisor. He is a man who takes an active interest in all local affairs. He af- filiates with the Democratic party with whom he casts the weight of his influence and vote. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shultz are active members of the Lutheran Church, being generous supporters of the same. The greater part of our subject's life has been spent in farming although for two years he was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Grantsville, Md. The farm which he owned for so many years boasts many fine buildings. The home farm con- sisted of three hundred and twenty acres and he 200 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. also owned an adjoining farm of two hundred and forty acres, both- located in Shipman Township. He is a member in good standing of the Knights of Honor. SS*§3 ERNST A. BFX'HTEL, proprietor of the Staunton Nursery, which is located on sec- _! tion 29, in the town of .Staunton, is num- bered among the early settlers of the county of 1856, his residence here comprising a period of thirty-five consecutive years. Of German birth, he first opened his eves to the light of day in the city of Bremen, January 24, 1830, and before he had attained his majority he came to this country. His father, Cornelius Bechtel, was also a native of Bremen, and became a leading wholesale merchant of that city, where he successfully carried on oper- ations, becoming a wealthy man. He grew to manhood under the care of an elder sister, for his father had died when he was ten years of age. In Aldenburg, Germany, he wedded Miss Sophia Gelher, a native of that city. His death occurred in 1850, at the age of sixty three years. She long survived her husband ami died November 30, 1887, when nearly eighty-three years of age. Both were members of the German Reformed Church and were people of prominence in Bremen, where they occupied a high social position. By their marriage were born two sons — our subject and his brother Heniy, who died in Germany when a young man. By a former marriage Mr. Bechtel iiad be- come the father of six children, three daughters and three sons. The latter all came to America and two became prominent merchants of New York City. The other son returned and succeeded to his father's wholesale business in Bremen. He died some years ago. As his father was well off, our subject was en abled to secure, a good education, and was thus fitted for life's duties. At the age of nineteen, in 1849, he bade good-by to home and friends, took passage upon the sailing-vessel "Gaston," com- manded by Capt. Blanke, and at length arrived in New York. He spent one year in the eastern part of the Empire State and then went to Washing- ton, I). G. where h<: lived until he had attained his majority and wedded Miss Mary L. Gilde- meister, who was born in Prussia, January 17, 1835, and comes of a very prominent and cultured family. Among her relatives was one famed tor his literary productions. He was also a diplomat and served as State Ambassador. He was killed by the hand of an assassin. Otto Gildemeister, a cousin of Mrs. Bechtel, is a prominent German author and translator, who has translated into his na live tongue the works of Shakespeare and Byron Mrs. Bechtel is a daughter of Henry and Wilhel- mina (Simonetti) Gildemeister, natives of Ger- many, and they were descended from families of note and worth. Among their relatives were those who held high positions under the Government. The mother was the daughter of an Italian musi- cian who became the leader of a celebrated or- chestra. Mr. and Mrs. Gildemeister began their domestic life in Bremen and alter some time he accepted a position as professor in a leading agricultural col- lege of Prussia, his situation being for life, but, desiring to give his children better opportunities, he decided to come to America and in 1848, with his family, sailed across the Atlantic. He pur- chased a farm in the District of Columbia ami nine years later, with his wife and children, some of whom were already married, came to Macoupin County. 111., locating in Bunker Hill Township, where they resided until their removal to Bunker Hill to live retired. Mrs. Gildemeister died in 1870, at the age of sixty-five years. Mr. Gilde- meister is still living in Bunker Hill, at the ad- vanced age of ninety-seven years. His mental faculties are still unimpaired, but he now suffers from a paralytic stroke. He belongs to the Ger- man Reformed Church. < f which his wife was also a member. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bechtel have been born five children. Wilhclmina Minnie became the wife of John W. Turk, who died in Staunton Township, in 1885, leaving his widow and a daughter, Bertha, to mourn his loss. They now reside with her parents. Henry C. is engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Springfield, Mo.; August It. is extensively engaged in business as a nursery- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 201 man; Mary L. is the wife of Samuel Payne, an attomey-at-law residing in Greenfield, Mo.; Theo- dore is assist inn Ins brother in the nursery busi- ness. The Bechtel family is numbered among the prominent people of Macoupin County and well deserve to occupy that rank. Mr. Bechtel, the subject of this sketch, is .1 Re- publican in politics, and in all that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of the community he has ever borne his part. He made farming his busi- ness until he engaged in li is present line of t'-ade. On coming to this county, he located upon a farm in Dorchester Township, about half way between Staunton and Bunker Hill, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for six years, lie then estab- lished a nursery and vineyard, and has since car- ried mi that business. His home is now on sec- tion 29, where eight years ago lie established the Staunton Nursery. He carries all kinds of nur- sery plants, shrubbery and vegetables of excellent varieties, and has now a large wholesale and retail trade. The home comprises fifteen acres of line land and is beautifully adorned with trees anil shrubs. Willi Mr. Bechtel in business the sons are associ- ated, and they now do the principal part of the work, relieving their father of the more arduous labors. Vj/OIIN T. CAIN, who is engaged in farming on section f>, Honey Point 'township, is a Southerner by birth, the place of his nativ- ity being Grayson County, Ivy., and the date, May 3, 184G. lie is a son of Abraham P. Cain, who is supposed to have been a native of the same county. The father of the latter, Patrick : Cain, was born in Ireland, and on coming to Amer- ica settled among the pioneers of Grayson County, where he engaged in farming, and there spent his i last years. Abraham P. Cain was reared on a Kentucky farm, and continued to live in his native State until I 1850, when he came to Illinois, accompanied by : his wife and three children. They made Jie jour- ney with a team, bringing all their household ef- | fects with them and cooking and camping often by the way. A tier arriving in this State, Mr. Cain located in Jersey County, residing a short time on Hawkin's Prairie, then removed to Kemper's sta- tion, where he lived two years. He next rented a farm south of there, and dwelt upon it until 1860, when became to Macoupin County, and purchased a tract of partly improved land in Shipman Town- ship. At that time Alton was the nearest market and depot for supplies, there being no railways here then. He engaged in the improvement of his farm, and made his home here until his death. The name of his wife before marriage was Nancy Downs. She is a Kentuckian by birth, and a daughter of Israel Downs. She is living at a venerable age, making her home on the home farm, and is the mother of seven children, namely, — Margaret A., John T., Sarah C. Israel Taylor, James W., Mary E. and J. Hardin. John T. Cain, of whom these lines are written was bin live years old when the family came to Ill- inois, and lie remembers well the incidents of pio- neer life in Jersey County, during his boyhood. At the time that they settled there the country still retained much o! its primitive condition, and dter and other wild game were numerous. He was reared on a farm, assisting in its manifold duties, and gaining a good practical knowledge of agricul- ture 'hat has been of value to him since he began his independent career as .1 farmer. In 1872 he rented land in Brushy Mound Township, which he cultivated very profitably, and he continued to re- side in that township, until 1882, when he bought and removed to the farm he now occupies in Honey Point Township. This farm, with its carefully tilled acres, its productive soil, and its excellent improvements, is a valuable piece of property, and yields its owner a comfortable income. November 4, 1875, Mr. Cain married Miss Mary E. Morgan, a native of this county, East Oarlinvillc Township, her birthplace. Their pleasant wedded life has been blessed to them by the birth of six children, namely: Edward R., Leola, Ruby C, Ina H., John R. and Margaret A. Mrs. Cain's father, Thomas Morgan, was born in Shropshire, England. February 21, L829. He re- mained in his native land until he was twenty foul- years old. when he came to America, crossing the 202 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ocean in a sailing-vessel, and landing at New Or- leans. From that city he came northward as far as Memphis, Tenn., and after tarrying there a year, he came to this county. He resided for two years at Carlinville, and then settled at South Otter Township, of which he has since been a resident. He was a carpenter by trade, and worked on some of the first frame houses ever erected at Carlinville. He followed his trade for a time after locating in South Otter Township, but for many years has de- voted himself to farming, and owns a good farm of forty acres. Mr. Morgan was married in this county July 10, 1851, to Miss Harriet Walton, who was born in New York City, February 20, 1832. They have five children as follows, — Mary E., Florence, William L., Minnie II. and Thomas E. — Ht-gt^gg^ g i . ; ■> ^4 Rs - CLAKA M. (RICE) STEIDLEY, was born in South Palmyra Township, April 17, 1841. Her father, Richard Rice, was a Virginian and was born April 30, 1795. His father, Edwin Rice, also spent his entire days as far as is known in Virginia. The father of Airs. Steidley was reared and married in his native State, and removed thence to Kentucky, and in 1830 to Illinois where he made his home in Mac- oupin County. This removal was made by team and he brought with him not only his wife and five children but also all his household goods and possessions. He settled in what is now South Pal- myra Township and made claim to a tract of Gov- ernment land. The same fall Mr. Rice returned to Kentucky on horseback and brought back with him to Illinois his brother and family as well as two other fam- ilies. He returned to Illinois in time to encounter the severities of the winter of 1830, which is noted as the season of deep snow. He and his family lived during that winter in a log cabin of one apartment. Nothing daunted by this experience which must have been a severe one to people coming from the southland, he went to work in the spring to put his farm in condition for cultivation, and ' made his residence there until his death in 1856. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Clara Ann Cave. She was born in Virginia and was the daughter of Thomas Cave, who spent his last days in Kentucky and died in 1878. The mother of Mrs. Steidley reared eleven children, five of whom are now living. In the early settle- ment of this county the farmers were obliged to live entirely upon the products of the farm as they were so far removed from any market and Mrs. Rice and her children weie clothed from material manufactured by her own hand. They raised tlax and sheep upon the farm and she was accustomed to card and spin the wool and to spin the flax and from these materials to weave cloth for their clothing. Clara Rice resided with her mother until her marriage in 1861 to Solomon J. Steidley, who was born in Virginia, and was the son of Joseph and Elvira Steidley. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Steidley resided upon the old Steidley homestead in South Palmyra Township for some time and then bought two hundred and eighty acres in North Palmyra Township adjoining the village of Palmy- ra and partly situated within its bounds. He carried on agriculture and was also engaged in the sale of farming implements until his death, but he was not destined to a long life for he was called from earth in June 1878, leaving a widow and three children to mourn his loss. The children are named Charles L., Rosa B. and Mary E. In early life both Mr. and Mrs. Steidley became members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church and ever found in it a broad field of labor and influence. Mr. Steidley served his church as both Steward and Class Leader and was an active worker in the Sunday-school. In his death his brethren realized that they met f earth ere yet old age had come to him. he had •von a reputation which was not bounded by any nbitrary divisions of county or Suite. A grateful lountry honors his memory, and generations vet o come will revere his name. Although not a native of the 1'nited States, in *liefs, ideas and principles he was intensely American. The place of his nativity was England, and he was born in East Looo, Cornwall, in 1830. In far-famed Britain he grew to manhood, and hav- ing early laid the foundation of an upright charac- ter and possessing an intellect of a very high order, there was everything in his personal qualities to indicate a career of usefulness. The knowledge which he gained from the Inst literature of the day was of inestimable value to him. History, bio- graphy and oratory gradually enkindled in his heart a desire to be something more than a mere worker with his hands, and he became, almost un- known to himself, a well-informed, elucated man. When twenty-one years of age he left his home and crossed the broad Atlantic- and sought in Amer- ica, what the future might hold in keeping for him. In the State of Indiana he passed three years in a buggy, harness and trimming establishment. In 1854 he removed to this county where he remained until called hence. The first years of his residence here were times to try the souls of men; war was threatening and danger lurked on every hand. Finally affairs reached a crisis, and the gun fired at Ft. Sumter echoed round the world. When the war broke out in lotil he was commissioned Cap- tain of Company K, Seventh Illinois Infantry. His skill as commander soon attracted attention, and he was promoted to Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Col- onel and was lnvvetled Brigadier-General for spec- ial acts ,,;' gallantry at Allatoona. In three differ- ent engagements he received as many severe wounds, at Shiloh. Corinth and Allatoona. Impressed with the ability and attainments of Gen. Rowett. Gov. Palmer appointed him Canal Commissioner, and. in 1871 he accepted the appoint- ment of Penitentiary Commissioner. In 1876 he took his scat in the Thirtieth General Assembly as a representative from Macoupin County. Though never radical in politics, his vote and sympathies weic with the Republican party, and the testimony comes from all his acquaintances that his ability and integrity won, to a very unusual degree, the respect of his associates. His popularity obtained for him the office of Internal Revenue Commis- sioner for the Fourth District the appointment be- ing made by President Garfield. Hire as elsewhere, he nobly discharged the duties incumbent upon 206 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. him, and the efficiency which characterized his every effort was noticeable in this important posi- tion. Notwithstanding the many official duties which devolved upon him, he pursued the interests of his farm, which consisted of two hundred acres on sec- tion 17, and gave especial attention to the bleeding of thoroughbred horses. His death was very sud- den and occurred in Chicago, this State, at Wash- ington Park, July 13, 1887. Since his demise his widow has superintended the affairs of the farm be- side guarding the interests of her three children — Mary, Edith K. and Richard. Archibel died when three years old. Gen, Rowett was twice married, and by his first wife had one son, Charles. His widow bore the maiden name of Ella Braley, and grew to womanhood among the people of Macou- pin County, of which she is still an honored resi- dent. Her father, Ellison Braley, is spoken of at length elsewhere in his volume; her mother Cath- erine (Coon) Braley. was a native of New York. The parents were married in New York City, aim emigrating to Illinois in 1840, settled in Collinsville. Madison County, where Mrs. Rowett was born Feb- ruary 22, 1848. Some years afterward they re- moved to Macoupin County, and are now residents of Carlinville. Of the six children born to them, Mrs. Rowett was the third. The uneventful years of her maidenhood were passed in her father's home where she enjoyed the educational advantages of a common school. On February 12, 1874, she was united in marriage with Gen. Richard Rowett, in Carlinville, and their happy wedded life was ter- minated by the death of the Genera] in l*s7. x.R. ROBERT J. HORNSBT is the owner of one of the beautiful residences of Bunker Hill, and it will probably continue to be his home during the remainder of his life. He has been identified with the history of the county for about forty-five years and is numbered among its wealthy citizens. He was born in Shelby County, Ky.. September 13, 1819, and is of English descent, the family having been founded in America by Joseph Hornshy, the grand- father of our subject, who left his English home and emigrated to America (Albemarle County, Ya..) prior to the Revolutionary War. He had followed merchandising in his native land and acquired a good property, but upon coming to this country he became a large landowner. The British learn- ing that he was possessed of considerable silver- ware, through some slaves who had deserted him, threatened to burn his home if he did not reveal its hiding-place and to save a shelter for his fam- ily he revealed the hidden treasure, which he had buried in a hole beneath the smokehouse in order to keep il safe. After the death of his wife he removed with his children to Kentucky, in 1801, locating in Shelby County, where he entered land from the Government and engaged in farming until his death at a ripe old age. The father of our subject, Joseph Hornsby. Jr.. moved with his father to Kentucky, where he lo- cated, and spent his entire life upon the old home- Stead, his death occurring at the age of sixty-four years lie was a successful farmer, owned a number of slaves and his landed possession! aggregated thirteen hundred acres. In politics he was a Whig and one of the great admirers of Henry Clay. In Kentucky he met and married Miss Cynthia Allen, who was born in Pennsylvania, and belonged to the old Allen family, which for man\ generations had resided in this country. She was but a child when her parents emigrated to Shelby County and there she grew to womanhood. She survived her husband some years and after his death went to live with her son, D. C, near St. Louis, where she died at the age of seventy-three years. She was a faithful member of the Presby- terian Church hut Mr. Hornsby was a believer in the doctrine of the Episcopal Church. The Doctor was the sixth child and fifth son in a family of ten children, numbering eight boys and two girls, of whom all but one lived to be grown while three yet survive. In the usual manner of farmer lads he spent the days of his boyhood and youth, until twelve years of age, after which he was sent by his father to school in Jefferson County, Ky., for two years, after that to Danville College, for a short time, and then to college at Shel- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 207 byville, Shelby County. Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life-work he entered the office of Dr. Benjamin W. Dudley, of Lexington, Ky., a prominent physician with a world-wide reputation as a surgeon. After study- ing under his direction for two years, and graduat- ing, Dr. Hornsby began the practice of medicine in Kentucky, where he remained three years. From Shelby County, he came to Illinois and entered some tracts of land from the Government in Madi- son County, and purchased other lands, settling near what is now Prairie Town, in 1846. The country round about was all wild and unimprove '. He also saw the advantage of buying cattle and feeding them upon the succulent grasses which covered the prairies and in this way also realized a handsome profit. From November, 1849, until 1KG2, the Doctor made his home near Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, where he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession, having at that time bought land in the vicinity of St. Louis, which he still owns. In 1854 he laid out and founded the town of Clyde, Macoupin Count)'. Four years later in connection with L. L. Dorsey, he laid out the village of Prairie City and his land at that place soon sold for a good profit. At one time he owned over twelve hundred acres in Madison County, but as values have increased he has dis- posed of the greater pan of it. He still owns two hundred and seventy-five acres near Prairie City, one hundred and sixty acres in Dorchester Township, Macoupin County, and six hundred and forty acres near Clyde, III. Most of his land is well improved an I is under the charge of enter- prising farmers. Dr. Hornsby wedded Miss Frances Cordelia Dorsey, a native of Jefferson County, Ky., born December 1, 1825, and a daughter of Elias and Martha R. (Booker) Dorsey. Mrs. Dorsey was the daughter of Col. Richard Hooker, who served in the War of 1812. Elias Dorsey enlisted under him at the age of seventeen years and on the promise of good behavior, the Colonel promised to give him one of his daughters in marriage on his return, which promise was fulfilled. Elias Dorsey and his wife were natives of Maryland and Kentucky respectively ami their married life was spent in Jefferson County of the latter State. They went on a prospecting tour to Illinois, preparatory to determining whether they would make that State their home and while on the return trip Mrs. Dor- sey was thrown from a carriage while crossing a bridge in Indiana. A limb was fractured and the accident resulted in the loss of her life. Mr. Dor- sey continued his residence in Kentucky and after- ward married Mrs. Williamson, a lady of Balti- more, Md., after whose death he came to Illinois and died at the home of his son- in law, Edward C. Winchester, at the age of seventy-six. He was one of the largest landowners in this part of the S'.ate, bring the possessor of more than twenty thousand acres of good land. He was very suc- cessful in all his business undertakings and although he had little when he started out in life he became very wealthy. In politics he was a strong Jackson- ian Democrat. Mrs. Hornsby was one of thirteen children and her education was acquired in a Catholic school near Beardstown, Ky. She hr.s proved a good helpmate to her husband and this honored and worthy couple have the respect and esteem of all with whom they have come in contact. Loth are members of the Episcopal Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and is well-informed con- cerning the political history of the country but has never been an office-seeker. The Hornsby house- hold numbers the following members: The Doctor and his wife, Robery .1. and Martha I). Four chil- dren of the family are now deceased, William Walker, Thomas Levin, Elias Dorsey and Robert Henry. The eldest of the surviving daughters is Julia B., who is married and resides in Bunker Hill; and Carmelite W. is the wife of Prof. Sliver, whose sketch appears on another page of this work. Dr. Hornsby located in Gillespie, Macoupin County, in 1862, where for four years hecairied on a successful practice and then came to Bunker Hill, where he has since made his home. Only a short time had elapsed before he was again engaged in attending to a huge practice and he always had all that he could take care of. often more than he wished for, until he announced that he intended to retire and would no longer engage in practice. He deserves the greatest credit for his success in life, 208 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. which is due not to good luck but to li is own en- terprise and sagacity. He knew how to make the most of every opportunity, was industrious and enterprising and possessing good management and much natural ability be worked his way upward until he had attained a position among the wealth- iest of Macoupin County's citizens. His life has been characterized by honesty and fair dealing and is well worthy of emulation in many respects. Mr. Hornsby is now an old man of seventy-two years but in appearance seems hardly past the prime of life as he possesses both a mental and physical vigor which accompany younger years. >\ Brengman. She is still living at the venerable .age of eighty-five years, and makes her home at Middleton. She is a native of Jefferson County, Ky., and a daughter of Martin Brengman. The latter was born in Germany, whence he came to America and resided for a lime in Maryland. From there he went to Kentucky, and purchased a farm near Middleton, where n he lived until his demise. Dr. Head was but ten years old when he was be- refl of a father's care ami counsel. He continued to make his Inime with his mother, assisting on the farm and attending school. At the age of twenty- one he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. M. Bemiss, of Middleton, and he subsequently attended medical lectures at Louisville, being grad- uated from the Louisville Medical College in 1851. The same year he came to Carlinville and opened an office and has been in continuous practice in this city since. At that time it had but a few hundred inhabitants, and the surrounding country was still ill the hands of the pioneers and was hut sparsely settled, the people living on the edge of the timber, while deer and other wild game roamed over the prairies, the land all being open around and on the site of the village. Dr. Head continued in active practice until the commencement of the war, and he then offered his professional services to the Government in May, lsc I. and became Assistant Surgeon of the Four- teenth Illinois Infantry, remaining with that regi- ment one year, and doing valuable work in reliev- ing the wounded and sick soldiers. In 18G2 lie entered hospital service at Memphis, Teun., and in April, 1865 was transferred to Crittenden Hospital at St. Louis, where he was stationed until the fol- lowing October, when he was honorably discharged. He returned to Carlinville and to the quiet routine of professional life in village and country, bringing with him a valuable experience gathered during those sad years among the sick and dying defend- ers of our country, and a high record for services rendered while acting as a military surgeon and physician. He has since conducted a successful and lucrative practice here. In 1853 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Margaret I. Blackburn. Mrs. Head is a na- LIBRARY OF THE /lpfnM£sv\dtsn (//,$, t/n-icAjsu? Cry^, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 215 live of Versailles, Ky , a daughter of the Rev. John Bnd Catherine (Edwards) Blackburn, her father a Presbyterian minister. Dr. and .Mrs. Hear] arc the parents of two children, Eugene S.. a physician : ami Hadley. Both our subject and his amiable wife nix' consistent and devoted members of the Episco- pal Church. Fraternally, the Doctor is a mem- ber of Ml. Nebo Lodge, No. 7G, A. F. A A. M. \m r. RITTENDEN H. C. A N D K R SO N . No nam e is more intimately associated with the rise and development of Macoupin County and its financial prosperity than that of the late lamented Crittenden II. C. Anderson, who was for many years one of its most prominent business men and valued citizens. It gives us pleasure to place in this volume his portrait, and the following review of his life and work which has been lovingly and carefully prepared by his nephew, W. E. P. Ander- son, at the request of the publishers, and is an elo- quent and just tribute to the great worth and. abil- ity of the departed. Crittenden H. C. Anderson was born near Hop- kinsville. Christian County, Ky., January 26, 1819. He was the eldest son and child in a family of eight children of Col. James C. and Ann R. Anderson, who were of Irish and Scotch descent. He came to Illinois with his parents when he was about six- teen years old, arriving at Cariinville (which was then a mere hamlet) October 27, 1834. camping out on the first night after his arrival with his fa- ther, mother, brothers and sisters, on the lot where the residence of .Judge Tap pen is now located on First South Street, one block southeast of the Court House, the site of which was then covered with timber and hazel brush. Dining their first winter here the family lived at Cariinville in a log house, standing upon the lot where the present post-office is now located on the east side of the public square. In the spring of 1835 his father, having entered four hundred acres of land on section 11, Cariin- ville Township, the family removed to it, and our subject made himself generally useful in bringing the farm into cultivation, and in improving the home with such facilities as were afforded at that early day. The elder Anderson, with the vigor, energy and push characteristic of l he early pioneer, desiring to improve the opportunities afforded in a country indicating a rapid growth and rise in the value of the unbroken prairie soil, at once exten- sively entered into buying and selling land and Stock, driving the stock to the nearest market. St. Louis. For a couple of years or so, the manage- ment of the farm and looking after the family gen- erally fell upon young Crittenden. At the early age <>f nineteen, however, as he developed an apt- ness tor trading, and displayed good judgment as to the quality and value of land, he became the companion and business associate of his father in dealing in land and in stock generally. They trav- ersed the country in all directions, and for long dis- tances, for the purpose of buying hogs and cattle, frequently going together on horseback and driv- ing cattle as far north as Wisconsin and Michigan tn a market, and also driving stock of all kinds overland to the St. Louis market. At one lime they were offered forty acres of land now in the heart of the city of Chicago for a cow, which was declined. On April 14. 1840, our subject was united in marriage with Mary .1. Glass, a sister of the late Robert W. Glass. Taking his wife to the home of his parents, they continued to reside there until the spring of 1841. when they settled upon the farm given to him by his father; this is now known as the homestead of Malcolm M. Anderson, and is the south half of section II. Cariinville Township. The happiness of their union was of brief duration, his wife dying .May 1, 1841, leaving to his care an infant son. James Henrj Anderson, who died Octo- ber 28, 1854, aged thirteen years, live months and twenty-four days. Together with his little son Mr. Anderson again became a member of the home circle under the parental roof, where he continued to oversee his farm, and to deal in stock and land as previously, residing there until his marriage No- vember 14, 1850, to Miss Mary E. Cole. He again look up his residence on his farm, where he con- ducted agricultuial pursuits and trading generally. In the summer of 1851 the dreaded disease 216 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. cholera struck this neighborhood, from which Mr. Anderson's father died August 1 I; the wife of Ins brother Erasmus S. Anderson. August 16, Erasmus himself August 26; and his mother, August 27. This was a period which tried men's hearts; but with unswerving fidelity and love for his kindred which knew no fear, our subject nursed and cared for each one of these during their last sickness; taking his brother Erasmus and his little hoy. W. E. P. Anderson, then only fifteen months old, to his own house and ministering to the wants of each. On account of the scarcity of help, he was com- pelled to assist in the sad duty of digging the graves and depositing the remains of each of these loved ones in their last resting place. In the month of November, 1852, our subject removed to the farm now owned by Henry C. An- derson, near the fair-grounds. Here he still con- tinued his old business until the month of May, 1853. when lie formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Dr. R. W. Glass. Under the firm name of Anderson & Glass, they opened the first exclusive drug store at Carlinville, in :> little frame building, located on the northwest corner of the public square, when' now stands the three-story brick building erected by Capl. W. 11. Dugger in 1868. In 1855-56, Mr. Anderson, in connection with William II. Rider, erected the three-story brick building on the east side of the public square, re- cently known as the "Duplex Building." and which was the first three-story building ever erected in the city or county. To the lower floor of this building, the stock of drugs was removed the spring of 185G, and in the fall of that year Mr. Anderson removed his family to it, occupying the second and third stories as a residence. Here January 20, In.'iT his wife died, leaving to him the care of their only child, John C. who was 'hen only two and a half years old, having been born August 31, 1854. On October 20, 1857, our subject was married to Mary J. Stratton, the only child of Marshall II. and Rebecca (Blackburn) Stratton. By this mar- riage three children were born: Mary J., born De- ( ember 27. 1858, died August 19, I860; Virginia, bore August 21, 1861, died February 25. 1867; and Effie M.. born June 18, 1864, now the wife of Will- iam L. Mounts, to whom she was married June 18, 1884. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Anderson boarded with the family of Dr. Glass until the month of April, 1858, when he purchased and re- moved to the property on East Main Street, adjoin- ing the residence of Joseph Bird. In the year 1860 Mr. Anderson retired from the drug business, having sold his interest to his part- ner, and again engaged in farming, feeding and grazing cattle, and general trading. Having de- voted much of his life to the buying and selling of real-estate, he became quite familiar with the title to the same for many miles around the county -scat, and could with great accuracy repeat from memory the descriptions and the various transfers of the land. In 1868 he opened an abstract and real- estate office in a room in the Chestnut and Dubois building, adjoining the law office of the Hon. C. A. Walker. He continued in that business, until Feb- ruary, 1870, when he opened a banking house un- der the name of the Henderson Loan and Real- estate Association. This was a private corporation, hi' being the sole stockholder and he continued the same in its corporate capacity until April :!0, 1878, when he surrendered the charter of the corpora- tion and organized the business as a private bank, under the name of the Banking House of C. H. C. Anderson. He was exceedingly fortunate in his selection of a cashier and confidential business manager, and that, together with his own business conservatism and caution, served to increase the business from a capital of 15,000, the amount required by the char- ter of the corporation when he established the bank, to a paid up capital of $100,000, with a sur- plus of $5,000, exclusive of losses incident to any banking business, which had prior thereto been charged to the expense account, July 10, 1889, when he associated with himself his two children, John C. Anderson and Effie Anderson Mounts. The banking business is still carried on by them, under the supervision of the same faithful cashier and business manager selected by their father. Mr. Anderson was eminently successful as a financier) and left to his heirs an estate valued at nearly a quarter of a million dollars. In the accumulation of this vast property lie displayed business talents PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. ■.'17 of a rare order, that were inherent in himself, and were not the results of education. Hi' was not an educated man in (lie ordinary acceptation of the word, as his early advantages for schooling were limited, being confined to acquiring a common km. wledge of reading, spelling, writing and cipher- ing to the ''Rule of Three." While our subject was more than ordinarily suc- cessful as a business man in gathering together this world's goods, yet his financial career met with many obstacles and reverses in its pathway, and frequently caused him to do his share of "'floor walking." His plans, like those of many other Often miscarried, and many for whose prompt pay- ment he pledged himself failed to meet their obliga- tions, and threw the burden upon him. He wit- nessed four of the financial panics which swept our country, and felt effectively the force of three of them, viz: those of 1857. 1873 and 1878. In 1857. the safe of lis drug store, which was the depository (there being no bank in that town then) of must of the citizens and business men of Carlinville, was taken into the street, blo.vn open and robbed of several thousand dollars, entailing a heavy loss upon himself as well as upon others at a very criti- cal time. In 1873. although his bank was in its infancy, it had to withstand the ordeal of a several days' run. On the morning of January 15, 1878. immediately after opening his bank for the day's business, he received notice that the oldest bank of the city bad assigned. Conscious of the fact that the excite- ment and fear of panic to follow would result in temporarily closing his doors, nevertheless, know- ing his solvency and trusting to a confiding public, he promptly met the withdrawal of his depositors during the day. At closing time, when waited upon by three of his principal mercantile depositors to ascertain his ability to stand a precipitated '•run," he frankly informed them that his depositors could close his doors, but that they could not -break him;" upon invitation from him to go behind the counter and make a thorough examination of his assets and liabilities, the investigation resulted in twelve of the depositors of the bank, whose finan- cial standing gave satisfaction, executing to Samuel T. Mayo a power of attorney, authorising him to sign their individual names as guarantors for the payment of any claim against iii> bank. So great, however, was the confidence and faith of bis deposi- tors in his integrity and in the solidity of his bank. that only :i few availed themselves of this security. During his active business life Mr. Anderson oc- cupied many positions of trust in the settlement of estates in the capacity of executor, administrator ami guardian, without his honesty or integrity ever being (-tilled into question, with one exception which terminated in the Presiding Judge dismissing the bill and paying him a high tribute from the Bench for a seventeen years' faithful, successful and honest service to his wards. In dealing with his fellow men in all the ups and downs of a busi- ness life, it was no', a question with him as to his individual action what is legally right or wrong, but what is right between man and man, and lie was governed accordingly, frequently refusing to avail himself of legal defenses in order to escape liability. He acted upon the principle that a man's word ought to be his bond on all occasions, lb' insisted on what was his <\uv. but adhered stronglj to the principle of "live and lei live," and so long as a debtor manifested a disposition of honesty and fair dealing, he was never pushed to the wall, unless :i^ a last re.surt. in order to protect himself against other creditors. While no man felt a keener pleasure and enjoy- ment in the respect, trust and confidence tendered him by his friends and fellow-men, yet our subject was averse to pushing himself forward in an\ man- ner for the purpose of gaining applause or notoriety. In his charities, though not demonstrative, yet he appreciated the fact that out of the abundance with which he was blessed, he owed a share to the unfortunate, and he always responded in some measure to the solicitations made upon him for be- nevolent purposes. In his personal habits and ex- penditures, while not penurious in any sense, he practiced rigid simplicity, and indignantly repelled any act which had the appearance of ostentation or display; so regardful was he for the feelings of his friends and patrons with whom he came in daily contact, that it was his constant aim to refrain from any act which indicated distinction. He lilt that he was only one of a great ma>s of humanity, that 218 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. it was not wealth or position alone which made the man, and the greatest satisfaction that prosperity afforded him was the fact that it enabled him to be of that much more service and benefit to the com- munity generally. As a friend, he was loyal and unflinching with his heart and purse, often running the risk of financial embarrassment to himself in order to oblige or help a friend or patron in need. Socially, it afforded him enjoyment and pleasure to have his friends and acquaintances partake of his hospitality, and he was especially fond of having young people around hira. He had his faults and eccentricities, but they were in a large measure overshadowed by the promptings of a noble and sympathetic heart, and he left to his children the enduring inheritance of a name and memory re- spe< ted, honored and revered by all who knew him and a life record worthy of the emulation of his posterity. In 1855, during the Pitner revival. Mr. Ander- son connected himself with the Carlinville Metho- dist Episcopal Church; and while not an active participant in the inside work of the church, he served many years upon the Board of Trustees, was a large contributor to its support and to the erec- tion of its present house of worship in this city. His social relations were with the Masonic frafcr. nity, and for twenly-eight years he was a devoted member of the Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 78, serving for many years as its Treasurer; always insisting that if the principles of the order were lived up to by its members, man would attain as near perfec- tion as possible on this earth. In politics, Mr. Anderson was originally a Whig, casting his Hist vote in 1840 for William Henry Harrison, and upon the disruption of that party he identified himself with the Democratic party, with which he affiliated the remainder of his life. He was strong in his parly convictions, though not in any sense a politician, and always accorded the greatest respect to the opinions of his opponents. He was a member of the first City Council of Car- linville upon its organization as a municipality. In the spring of 1871 our subject purchased and removed to his late home in the north part of the city near the Fair grounds. Although living some distance from his business, unless confined hy sick- ness, he was always the first one to arrive at the .bank in the morning, ami the last to leave at night. It was in this attractive home, surrounded by lov- ing friends, that be calmly awaited life's great end, anil from it his spirit at length took flight when re leased from the weary body. July 2, 1889, after suffering for several months from a gradual break- ing down of his system, he was stricken with a slight attack of paralysis. In a few days, however, he had materially recovered from its effects; but real- izing that his time on earth was near at an end, he faced the situation bravely, and expressed himself freely as thinking that he had out-lived his useful- ness, that he could no longer be of assistance to him- self or his fellow-men, and saying that he was not only willing but anxious for the final summons. Though confined to the house for several months, he was free from suffering, and retained his mental faculties until a few days prior to his decease. Re- ceiving all the care and attention in ministering to his needs that a loving and devoted family could render, January 10, 18110, at mid-day, he peacefully dropped into the sleep that knows no awakening, surrounded by his family. Surviving him are his widow, Mary .1. Anderson; his son, John C. An- derson; his daughter, Effie A. Mounts; his nephew, William E. P. Anderson; his brothers, Malcolm M. and Henry C. Anderson; and his sister, Mary Ann Anderson, the wife of William C. Anderson, of Shaw's Point Township. A sister, Maria C. Adams, wife of Austin Adams, died a few days prior to his demise. Such is the private history of one who was an active participant for fifty -six years in the growth and development of Macoupin County; he coming here when it was a vast wilderness, but thinly set- tled. In this tribute to his memory, there has been no attempt on the part of the writer to misrepre- sent or overdraw the facts embodied in this bio- graphical sketch, and as far as possible he has en- deavored to avoid inaccuracies or the appearance of giving any statement a "varnished character." The facts are such as he has been able to gather from the recollections of others, and his individual knowledge of many of the occurrences mentioned, derived by an intimate association wi'h the subject of thirty years' duration ; all of which are prompted PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 219 !>y a heart overflowing with gratitude, and in order to give to the descendants of the subject an oppor- tunity to avail themselves of such traLs in his Character as are worthy of adoption. /\y\ ARTIN N. Gl' LICK, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred ! and sixty acres on section 10, Hilyard Township, is numbered among the pioneers of the county of 1841, his residence here covering a period of half a century. He was born in Clark County. Ind.. August 16, 1815. and comes of an old family of New Jersey. His grandfather, Nicho- las Gulick, was born in that State, and was of Hol- land extraction, the family having been founded in tiiis country by Holland emigrants, who crossed the water in the early part of the seventeenth cen- tury. Nicholas Gulick grew to manhood as a fanner, and married Elizabeth Gano, daughter of William Gano, one of the colony of French Hu- guenots, who emigrated from Europe prior to the Revolutionary War. He lived and died in Hun- terdon County, N. J., where the colony first set- tled. It was after the birth of a part of their children that Nicholas Gulick and his wife, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, removed to New York, settling on the banks of Seneca Lake, in Seneca County, where he developed a good farm, making it his home until his death, at the age of eighty-eight years. His wife had attained the ad- vanced age of ninety-two years at her death. They were connected with the German Reformed Church, and were prominent people in the community where they made their home. They- lived at the time of the Revolution, and it is thought Nicholas Gulick served his country in that struggle. William Gulick, father of our subject, was also a native of New Jersey, and the third in a large family. He grew to manhood upon the banks of Seneca Lake, and remained with his parents until he began life on his own account, when he went into the pine regions of Pennsylvania. As he lost money in that section, he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, wheie he engaged in teaching and surveying until he joined William MeFarland, then Sheriff of Hamilton County, and went to Scott County, Ind., where he laid out and founded the town of Lexing- ton in the early part of the present century. It became the seat of justice and its growth was rapid. Some years later .Mr. Gulick went to Clark County, Ind.. where he engaged in surveying and teaching, and subsequently embarked in the milling business on Fourteen Mile (.'reek, his being one of the first mills of that, part of the State. He married Miss Sarah Adams, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of Martin and Jane (Matthews) Adams, who were natives of Maryland and of Scotch-Irish descent. Some years after their mar- riage they removed from Maryland to Kentucky. and in later years went to Clark County, Ind.. where Mr. Adams died at the age of sixty-six years, his wife's death occurring at the age of ninety-five. They both died on the old homestead. They were well known people of Clark County, and were members of the Seceder Presbyterian Church. In 1820 Mr. Gulick failed in his milling enterprise and about the same time he lost his wife, who at her death left three children, one of whom has since passed away, Elizabeth, wife of James M. Carson. Our subject and Mrs. Mary Bain, of Albia. Monroe County, Iowa, are still living. William G. Gulick was a second lime married in Clark County, Ind.. the lady of his choice being Martha Richie, who was born in Pennsylvania, but reared in Ohio, and went to Indiana after she was grown, her parents having died in the Buckeye State. Following his second marriage, Mr. Gulick removed with his family in 1821 to Cincinnati. Ohio, where his death occurred in July, 1832, dur- ing the cholera epidemic. His wife survived hint many years and at lenghth passed away in Dela- ware County , Ohio. In polities he always voted the Whig ticket, and during the War of 1812 he served as a soldier under Gen. Harrison. He filled the office of Territorial Magistrate for four years. and again served in the saute capacity after the State was admitted to the Union, lie was a prom- inent and well-known man in Southern Indiana, and his loss was the occasion of deep regret to many friends. 220 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Our subject is the second in order of birth of three children. His educational advantages were extremely limited in his youth, but by extensive and varied reading he has gained a practical know- ledge and become a well-informed man. He was first married in Clark County, End., to Miss Eleanor Welch, who was born in that county, and was a daughtei of Patrick and Eleanor (Kelly) Welch, who were natives of Kentucky, but spent the greater part of their life in Indiana. Mrs. Gulick died fit her home in this county in the spring of 1848. at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving three children: Mary, wife of Lewis R. Phelps, Lincoln. Neb.; .Tames EL, who wedded Laura Palmer, and is a farmer id' Orange County, Cal. ; and Eleanor, wife of C. J. Davidson, who is also engaged in farming in Orange County. Mr. Gu- lick's second marriage was celebrated in Carrollton, Greene County. Miss -lane Vanarsdall becoming his wife. She was born in Kentucky, and with her parents removed to Greene County, III., where she remained until her marriage. Her father, Peter Vanarsdall, subsequently removed to Brighton, where both he and his wife died. They were Pres- byterians. Mr. Gulick was again married in Jer- seyville. leading to the marriage altar Mi*s Anna C. Phelps, who was born in Westford, Otsego County, N. Y., September 11, 1827, and is a daughter of Joshua and Annis (Curtis) Phelps, natives of Connecticut and the Empire Slate re- spectively. Her father was first married in Con- necticut to Betsy Peek, who died in New York, leaving nine children. His second wife survived her marriage seven years, and at her death left only one daughter, Mrs. Gulick. A third time Mr. Phelps was married, when he wedded Sarah Buckley, of New York, who accompanied him to the AVest. They located in Jersey County. III. Mr. Phelps, who was horn in the year 1775, died in 1853, in Brown County, III. His wife died in Jersey ville. in 1889, at the age of eighty nine years. Mrs. Gulick is a lady of intelligence and culture, and for some \ ears before her marriage she success- fully engaged in teaching. Their union has been blessed with four children — Alice, the wife of John B. Gooch, a farmer of Plain view; Sarah, wife of Arthur II. Iluniston, of Aurora, 111.; Olive N.. who is engaged in teaching; and M attic R., tiie young- est who is still at home. Mr. and M.S. Gulick are leading members and active workers in the Presbyterian Church, and are pi incut people of the community. In politics he was an old line Whig, and cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison, and his second vote was for tiie same man. On the organization of the Repub- lican party he joined its ranks, and cast his last ballot for the grandson of the Tippecanoe hero, President Benjamin Harrison. Mr. Gulick. since coming to this county, has been numbered among the representative and progressive citizens of Hil- yard Township, and has a host of warm friends among the pioneers of the county and those of later arrivals. Our subject's grandfather, Adams, on his mother's side, went from Kentucky, in com- pany with others, in 1811. to where Terrc Haute, End., now stands, and put in a crop of corn, then went hack to Kentucky, expecting to return in the tall, hut the Indian troubles prevented their doing so. w OSEPH M. CASTLEL, a prominent and highly respected farmer residing on section 5, Bird Township, belongs to an old Ten- nessee family. His father, James M. Casteel, and his mother Susan (Lnderwood) Casteel, came from Tennessee to this county in 1854, and made their home in Bird Township. The father died not many years after coming to the new home, but the mother survives and now at an advanced age makes her home with her children. These worthy parents had a family of eleven children, six of whom grew to maturity, and took their places in life, being an honor to their parents, and of use in the community where they live. Our subject was one of the older members of the family. He was born in Blount County, Tenn., March 10, 1835. When his parents migrated to Macoupin County, this State, he came with them and made his home with them until his marriage. This interesting and momentous event occurred April 8, 1859, and the ceremony took place in Mis- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 221 Bouri. The young man routed land in Macoupin County until 1864, when he bought a small farm near Chiln Church in Bird Township. There they lived for two years, when he sold this land and somewhat later bought the farm where lie now re- sides on section 5, of the same county. He owns one hundred and twenty-one acres of excellent soil and upon it was placed all necessary improve- ments. Mrs. Casteel bore the maiden name of Minerva A. I. aster. Her parents were Enoch and Charity (Hill ) Caster, who came to this county from Greene County at quite an early day and made their home in Bird Township, until called hence by death. They were the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters. Their daughter, Minerva, who be- came Mrs. Casteel, was the fourth in order of birth. She was born in Nashville, Tenn., May 13, 184-1. To tier have been given nine children, who were named as follows: Douglas A., who married Miss Phoebe Cald win; Eudora A., who became the wife of Thomas E. Joiner; Robert E., who married Irene Dundon ; Jennie E., who is Mrs. Isaac Vaughn; Minnie A.. Joseph E., Lula M., who died when an infant; Mollie A. and Samuel J. Mr. and Mrs. Casteel are both earnest and efficient members of the Baptist Church, in which they find a broad field for labor and influence, and all the family find comfort in the same church, in the faith of which they are bringing up their household. His political views are embodied m the declarations of of the Democratic party in the support of which he is earnest and aggressive. -m fL^ ENRY L. FAHRENKROG, who is engaged \ in farming and dairying on section 30, Hil- yard Township, is of German birth. He was born in Iiolstein, June 30, 1831, and is a son of. Henry and Christina Fahrenkrog, who wore also born and reared in the same province where they began their domestic life anil resided until the death of the husband and father, which occurred in 1833. His widow was a second time married, becoming the wife of Henry Kardell, an ex-Prussian soldier, with whom she afterward came to the United States in 1855. They first settled in Cleveland, Ohio, but after two years took up '.heir residence in Madison County. 111., where Mr. Kardell died al the age of sixtj years. Hi- wife survived him some years and passed away at the age of seventy-three, she was the mother of live children, two sons and three daughters, all born of her first marriage. Our subject was reared ami educated in his native province and when about twenty-two years of age started for America, determined to seek his fortune in the New World. He has never had oc- casion to regret so doing for he lias prospered and acquired a good property. He sailed from Ham- burg and after a long and tedious voyage of eleven weeks landed in New York City from whence he made his way to Cleveland, Ohio, in August, 1855. The following spring witnessed his arrival in Mac- oupin County, and shortly afterward in the city of Blinker Hill he led to the marriage altar Miss Fredericka Herbst, who was born in Holstein. tier- many, January 28, 1841. Her parents lived and. died there, her mother departing this life when Mrs. Fahrenkrog was quite young. Her father was married a second time and died at an advanced age. The wife of our subject was only sixteen years of age when she ami an older sister stalled alone for America. They came to Macoupin County, settling in Bunker Hill, where two years later she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Fahrenkrog. They have resided upon their present farm since 1868, covering a period of twenty-three consec- utive years. Before thai lime Mr. Fahrenkrog worked as a farm hand and lived upon rented land until by his industry and economy he had acquired a sufficient capital to purchase his present home- stead. His landed possessions aggregate one hun- dred and sixty acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. He raises such cereals as are adapted to this climate and m addition docs quite an extensive business as a dairy farmer, keeping about twenty-five milch cows for this purpose. lie also raises other slock of good grades and is regarded as one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of the township. lie has ever been true to his duties of citizenship and lakes a C mend- able interest in everything pertaining to the wel- 222 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. fare of the community. In politics he is a Repub- lican and be find his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fahrenkrog have been born the following children: William J. IL, who aids his father in operating the home farm and has served as Township Assessor and Collector for two years, being a leading citizen of the community; Augusta L. M.. wife of .Andrew Iluber, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work: Dora .1. F.. at home; Henry L. F., who is employed as salesman in the mercantile establishment of Andrew Iluber; Joseph F. W. and Amelia \V. F., who are still un- der the parental roof. They have lost two child- ren, Bertha and Charlie, both of whom died in childhood. fcg*S3— -■ -j ERDINAND STRATMANN is a representa- tive and successful fanner of Honey Point Township, his farm consisting of two hundred and forty acres of well-improved land. He is a native of Prussia, the date of his birth being November 11, 1828. His father. grand- father and great-grandfather were all natives of the German Fatherland. The latter. William Strat- mann, was a farmer, and was a member of the mil- ilia. He was a life-long resident of Prussia. His son John, grandfather of our subject, also followed farming, and likewise belonged to the militia. His life was wholly passed in the land of his nativity. Joseph Stratmann. father of Ferdinand, was reared, married and always lived in Prussia. For a time he served in the regular army. He bought a tract of land near the village of Burarn, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits until death closed his mortal career. He was the father of live children. Ferdinand Stratmann was the only one of the family who came to America. He attended school from the age of seven until he was fourteen years old and then gave his father his assistance on the farm. In 1849 he enlisted in the Prussian army, and after serving faithfully three years was honorably discharged with a good record as a soldier. He was offered a commission if lie would continue in the service, but he refused. His thoughts had al- ready turned toward the United Stales of America, the Mecca of so many of his countrymen, and Feb- ruary 26, 1853, he set sail for this country on the ship '•Rebecca," and landed at New Orleans the 7th of the following May. His entire wealth at that time consisted of $50, but he had health, muscle and good habits to rely upon, and was therefore well prepared to ecounter whatever might befall nini in the struggle to better his condition. From the Crescent City he went to St. Louis, the trip consuming one week's time, and from there he went to Alton, where he hired out as a teamster at a pottery for three years. At the expiration of that time he rented his employer's farm for a terra of nine years. In 1865 he bought a farm of one hundred acres in Montgomery County, but after living on it two years he sold it, and purchased a farm of eighty acres on section .'111, Honey Point Township. He was very successful in his farming operations anil made money enough to buy another farm of one hundred and sixty acres on the same seel ion. Later he traded the first farm for the one he now occupies on section 25, of the same town- ship, which compares favorably in point of culti vation and improvement with any in its vicinity. September 21, 1856, Mr. Stratmann was married to Miss Dina Bartman. who was also a native of Prussia. Five sons were born of their happy union, a 3 follows, — loseph, Charles, John, William and Tony. November 27. 1*72. death crossed the threshold of the home of our subject and took from it the beloved wife and mother. Though her life was closed ere it had passed its meridian she left behind her a goodlv record in all the relations that she sustained towards others, and her memory is cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Mr. Stratmann has always been a great reader, and as he possesses a clear brain is well posted on general subjects. He is both a good German and English scholar, and appreciating the value of a good education has given his children every advantage in his power to secure one. be- sides assisting them financially to start in the bat- tle of life. He bears a line character among his neighbors and associates for the undoubted pro- bity of his character and in him the St. Aloysius Catholic Church at Litchfield finds one of its most valued members. IIBRARY OF THE HNIVF^itv f - • PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 225 OL. J. R. MILES, who is living at Miles Station, is one of the most prominent citi- zens in the county, the active part which be lias taken in the upbuilding and development of its best interests and his service in the late war, having made him widely and favorably known. This work would be incomplete without this sketch, and with pleasure we present it and his portrait to the readers of the Record. A native of Kentucky he was born in 1820, and in his youth came to Illi- nois with his parents, who in 1832, settled in Ma- coupin County, becoming pioneers of Brighton Township, where the}' lived until called to their final rest. His father, Alex Miles, was born in North Caro- lina, whence he went to Kentucky. He became a successful farmer of this State and died at an ad- vanced age. In Tennessee he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Irvin, a native of Georgia, who went to Tennessee with her parents, where they spent their remaining days. Her father was a hero of the Revolution, having served for seven years in that struggle for independence. Mrs. Mary Miles died in this county when well advanced in years, and like her husband was descended from good English ancestry. Roth were members of the Methodist Church, and Alex Miles was also a faith- ful soldier of his country. Although young he served for six months in the Colonial Army when the Colonies were trying to throw off the 3 r okc of British oppression, and throughout the War of 1812, followed the stars and stripes. We now take up the personal history of the Col- onel, who for sixty years has resided in Macoupin County. He can remember when there were no roads here, there being an unbroken prairie over which one could ride for miles without fence or house intercepting his progress. Jerseyville, Alton and Carlinville were then all mere hamlets, and it often required a week to make a trip to mill. Wild game of all kinds, including deer was seen in abund- ance and supplied the table with meat. With the history of this part of the county. Col. Miles has been prominently identified, aiding in its growth and progress in many ways. He built the first mill in this part of the county, and in October, 18C7, founded the village which in his honor bears his name. It was largely through his influence that the Chicago & Alton Railroad was built through the town, and in fact few enterprises have been es- tablished in this part of the county without receiv- ing his aid and support. Much land he has devel- oped and he still owns large tracts of valuable prairie Burrounding Miles Station, which he cleared, developed and improved, placing it under a high state of cultivation. Enterprising and industrious he had not long engaged in business before he was reaping a good income as the reward of his labors, and a successful business career has made him a wealthy man. For his brilliant career as a soldier, Col. Miles deserves great honor. He formed a company in the beginning of the late war, which on the Uth of August. 18G1, was organized as Company F, of the Twenty-Seventh Illinois Infantry. After drilling for a time at Camp Butler, the troops went to Cairo, 111., and later met the enemy in battle at Belmont, Mo., where the regiment showed that its men were of true mettle. On their return to Cairo liny were assigned to the Fleet Brigade, and orders came to move on to Island No. 10. The Colonel's regiment was the first to reach the Island on the morning of the engagement. After the battle they went with Commodore Foote down the river to Ft. Pillow and later to Corinth, where they re- mained until after the evacuation of that place. In 1862, Mr. Miles was promoted to the rank of Colonel. In the campaign of that year he partici- pated in the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Chattanooga, and then went to relieve Gen. Sherman, having participated in some of the hard- est fought battles of the war. I lis men conducted themselves with credit, reflecting honor upon their commander and his tactics. He continued in com- mand of the regiment until his term of service expired and was then discharged. He escaped without wounds or injury, and although his service was often arduous he never succumbed to sickness, but each day reported for duty and when the bugle rang out its call for battle was found in the saddle at the head of his men. At the battle of Chatta- nooga he had many narrow escapes, and at Chicka- mauga his field glass and sword handle were shot off, and his horse was shot from under him. His 226 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. clothes were several times pierced with bullets but lie seemed to wear a charmed life and at the head of his troop often led the regiment to victory. The brigade to which he belonged was never driven off the field of battle after having once taken its stand, and the Twenty-Seventh Illinois Infantry was es- pecially commended for meritorious conduct. In this county, Col. Miles was united in marriage with Miss Eliza A. Stratum, a native of Kentucky, who when a child came with her mother to Illinois. Her father, Robinson Stratton, died in Kentucky. Her mother survived him for some time and at length passed away in this State. In 1889, the Colonel was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died at the age of fifty seven years. She was a most estimable lady, a member of the Meth- odist Church, and together they had traveled life's journey for many years, sharing its joys and sor- rows, its adversity and its pleasure. She left three children: Samuel who married -Miss olive Copley, and is a merchant of Vilas, Wilson County, Kan.; J. R. Frank, who married Miss Carra Bailey, and is a real estate dealer of St. Louis, and Charlotte M., widow of James Moffet, who lives with ber father. In politics, the Colonel is a stanch supporter of Republican principles, and takes deep interest in the success of his party, bin has never sought polit- ical preferment for himself. Few men have so long been identified with the county's history, for most of those who came about the time that he located here, have removed hence or else have been called to the land whence no traveler returns. His life is well worthy of perpetuation in this volume, for to the pioneers is due a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid in coming generations. His army record is one of which he and his may well be proud, for the part which he bore in the si nig- gle to preserve the union was no sinecure. -4- -3*e— -*— WILLIAM M. SMITH. Many families of Macoupin County are of Southern stock and birth, having come to this State from Kentucky in the early days, as they sought in Illi- nois a new home upon the untrodden prairies of a free State. James Smith, the father of our subject, was born in Lincoln County, Ky., and the mother, l'enninah Smith, was also a native of the same lo- cality. Their first Northern home was in Orange County, lnd.. and from there they came to Greene County, this State in 1831, and here the father died. The mother still survives and has now reached a very advanced age. The subject of this sketch was the eldest in a family of five children, his natal day being January 20„ 1828. He was born in Orange County, lnd , but grew to manhood in Greene County, 111., and lived with his parents until his marriage which took place in Greene County. March 3d, 1853. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah M. Smith, daughter of 'Daniel and Lucy Ann (Face) Smith, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively, who came from Kentucky to Greene County, 111., in 1834. Here the father died but the mother still survives. Mrs. Sarah Smith was the second in a large fam- ily of eleven children, and was born in Greene County. 111., August. 8, 1836. After ber marriage with our subject they made their home in Greene County and resided there until March, 1805, when they settled on section 7, Barr Township, where they have since been residents. Substantial im- provements and good buildings have been placed upon the farm by Mr. Smith who now owns one hundred and thirty-one acres all of which is in a fine condition for agriculture. The domestic life of this happy couple was crowned by the birth of three children, all of whom grew to maturity and established homes of their own. Martha E. is the wife of J. C. Howell, and they have four living children, namely: Maud M., Ilallie R., Bertie 1'.. and Eva G. These grand- children are the darlings of their grandparents who delight to re-icw their youth in the lives of these little oaes. Frederick grew to manhood and mar- ried Miss P. B. Reynolds, but died at the age of twenty-three years. Charles H. is married to Miss Emma Melvin. Mr. Smith has been School Director and in this capacity has exercised a strong influence in favor of progress and a liberal education. His political views ally him with the Democratic party. During the war he was drafted, but as he felt that his PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCoKI). 227 young family then needed a father's care lie fur- nished a substitute. In the United Baptist Church Mr. and Mrs. Smith are active and useful members, the latter being especially useful in Sunday-school and in all religious work. She is a lady of unu- sually strong and lovely character and of great capabilities and is most highly esteemed by all who have the honor to be her friends. The pleasant home of the Smiths is the scene of true hospitality and genial true fellowship and all who visit it once wish to come again within the pleasant sphere of its influence. U|>J *= ^ HARLES I'.LACK. 'I II owner of the farm loc ^^&y Shipman Township, is HARLES I5LACK. The resident on and located on section 17, of ip, is the gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch. His father was Robert Black who was probably born in Pennsyl- vania. His mother was Isabella (Skelton) Black. They came from Pennsylvania to Ohio aTid settled in the Hocking Valley where both died after a life of usefulness, the mother rearing a family of six children, imbuing their young minds with an early sense of honor and uprightness that has served them well in their relations both business and social throughout their career. Our subject was born in Hocking County, Ohio, April 3, 1838. He was reared on a farm and con- tinued to live in his native State anil county until he grew to manhood. He left Ohio in 1850, and went to Pettis County, Mo., remaining there about thirteen months, during which lime he was engaged in farming. He then came to Greene County, III., anil worked out by the month until 1863. Soon after coming here he was attracted by the sweet face and pleasant manners of Miss Martha J. Baldwin, and in the words of Burns "To see her was to love her," and August 16, 1863, the .young couple were married. The lady was a daughter of Benjamin ami Martha (Vcrner) Baldwin, the for- mer a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. They became residents of Greene Count}* in 1850, where they lived until the time of their death. A large family of thirteen children came to bless and brighten the evening of their life and to encircle the hearthstone. Of these Mrs. Black was one of the younger members. She was born in Warren County Ohio, April 3, 1839. Soon after the marriage of our subject and his lady the}- came to Macoupin County, in September, 1863, and settled in Shipman Township on section 17, where they have since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Black are the parents of two chil- dren, Charles W. and Eva A. She is the wife of C. A. Andrews. The original of this sketch has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty-one acres of land, that has rewarded his efforts, by producing large crops, in proportion to the number of acres cultivated. He has erected a fine house surrounded with pleasant piazzas from which a charming view may be had of the surrounding country, that in itself is a picture which only a Corot would be worthy of attempting to reproduce on canvas. The other buildings upon the place are all well-appointed and in good condition. He has added every im- provement within his means to make the place homelike and comfortable. Politically he is a Democrat, affiliating with that party on eveiy tenet of its platform. ICIIARD DUCKELS came to this county while it was still in its infancy, and casting M\i in his lot with its pioneer farmers, has been no unimportant factoi in develop- ing its agricultural resources. He has acquired wealth by unremitting and well-directed toil and a few years ago he retired from active business to his present home in Western Mound Township, though he still retains possession of his extensive and well-ordered farm. Mr. Duckels was born in the village of Goole, Yorkshire, England, July 4, 1811. Thomas Duck- els was the name of his father, and he was a native of the same village, born in 1770. He in turn was a son of Richard Duckels, who was born in York- shire in 1734, and there spent his entire life, car- 228 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. rying on his trade as a blacksmith. The father of our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, and was a life-long resident of his native shire, dying at the ripe age of seventy-eight years. The maiden name of his wife, a native of Armein, Yorkshire, was Ann Golton. She died at the age of seventy- two years. She and her husband were both devout Christians and members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. They had a family of eight children, three of whom came to America — Nancy, who married John Leach; William, who is dead; and our subject. The latter of whom we write passed his boyhood and early manhood on his native soil. Deeming that he could better his condition by emigration to America, in 1835 he set sail for these shores from Hull in the month of May, and landed at New York City after a voyage of seven weeks. He came directly to Illinois by the way of the Hudson River to Albany, thence by Erie Canal to Buffalo, from there by the lakes to Chicago, whence he con- tinued on his journey by team to La Salle, where he embarked on the Illinois River for Naples, and from that point he proceeded by team to Jackson- ville, that long and tiresome route being the most expeditious in those days. He was a single man at that time and not ready to make a permanent settlement. He therefore remained some three months at Jacksonville, and then after visiting this county he took up his residence at Alton, where he obtained employment in the store of Godfrey & Gilman, general merchants. In 1841 he returned to England and revisited the scenes of his youth a few months. Coming back to this country in 1842, Mr. Duckels bought a farm one mile south of Chesterfield, and dwelt upon it three years. He next bought a farm three miles west of the village, upon which he lived until 1889. In that year he took possession of his present cozy and well-appointed home, where he and his estimable wife live retired from active labor, as they have accumulated a goodly amount of property and are well fortified against want, so that they can pass the sunset of life se- renely, untrammelled by the cares and anxieties that beset their earlier years. Our subject has bought land from time to time until he now owns seven hundred acres of as fine fanning land as can be found in this section, and by his industr}- he has placed himself among the most substantial citizens of the county. Mr. Duckels was married Febru- ary 23, 1843, to Miss Elizabeth Morris, and their wedded life has been blessed by the following chil- dren: Mahilda, their eldest born, who married Jefferson Lee, and died at the age of forty-seven years; Edwin, who died at the age of nine years; Richard, who died at the age of five years; George; John; Henry C. ; Oscar; Ann Lovelace; Laura; Rollie: Clara and Grant. Mrs. Duckels was born near Thorne, Yorkshire, England, January 18, 1827. Her father, John Morris, who was one of the early pioneers of this county, was also a native of Yorkshire, and was there reared and married, Ann Sextz, likewise of that shire, becoming Ins wife. He resided near Thorne in that old English shire until 1832, when he and his wife and nine children set sail from Liv- erpool in an American-bound vessel, and after a voyage of seven weeks landed at New York. They came directly to Illinois, and locating in what is now Western Mound Township, Mr. Morris bought a squatter's claim to a tract of Government land, which he entered at the land office at Edwardsville. There was a small cabin on the place at the time of purchase, which the family occupied the succeed- ing nine years, when the father replaced it by a substantial frame house in which he resided a number of years. He then removed to Chester- field and lived retired the remainder of his life, both he and his good wife dying in their home there at a ripe old age. SipOHN M. AHRENS is now living a retired life in Staunton. Of the citizens whom Germany has furnished to this county none are more worthy of a representation in this volume than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was born in the Province of Holstein, German}-, November 30, 1828, and in that country his parents, John and Antje (Lucks) Ahrens, spent their entire lives. They were hard-working yet PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 229 respected German people and both lived to about the age of four-score years. Throughout their lives they were members of the Lutheran Church and to gain a livelihood Mr. Ahrens followed farm- ing. The family numbered seven children, four sons and three daughters, and live of that number came to the United States. Matilda, now Mrs. Runge, was the first to cross the water and is now living in Nokoui's, 111., where her husband, Fred Ruuge, now deceased, followed blacksini thing for some years. Peter is now married and resides in Gillespie, where he is engaged in merchandising. John M. was the third to cross the water. Lena was married in Germany to Fritz Barnholdt, who died after they came to America and she is now the wife of John Sievers, of Grand Island, Neb. Catherina was married in Holstein to John Muller, who there died, after which she came to America. Her home is now in Cleveland, < )hio. Our subject is a self-made man and whatever success he has met with in life is due to his own efforts. Since the early age of sixteen he had been dependent upon his own resources. He then began to learn the cabinet-maker's trade and when he had mastered the business he sailed from Hamburg in June, 1855, on the vessel '-Christian VIII, " which after a voyage of forty-two days dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. He entered upon his business career in this country as a cabinet- maker, following that trade until 18C2, when he embarked in otlier pursuits. In 1858 Mr. Ahrens formed a matrimonial alli- ance with Miss Elizabeth Ruther, who was born in Hanover, Germany, December 14, 1841, and when a child of six summers was brought to America by her parents, Frederick and Dora (Grim) Ruther, who took passage from Bremen, sailed to New York, and thence came to Illinois, settling on a farm near Alton. In 1851 the family came to Macoupin County, locating in Staunton Township, where Mr. Ruther is still living at the age of eighty-two years. His wife died in Fostersburg in 1848, at a com- paratively early age. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, with which her husband has al- ways been identified. Mrs. Ahrens remained with her parents until her marriage. She has proved a true helpmate to him and has made for him a pleasant home. Their union has been blessed with twelve children, two of whom are now deceased. Dora, who became the wife of Edgar Golightly, died at the birth of her first child, a son, when twenty six years of age. Louis died in April, 1S72. The surviving members of the family are John C, who married Cora Gray, of St. Louis, and is now a lumber merchant of Rivcrdalc, 111. Peter, who wedded Gertrude Jacobs, and is now operating the lumber-yard at this place with his brother. Henry A. operates a lumber-yard in Effingham, 111.; Albert E., a partner of Peter; Mary E.. Emma M., Ada L., Sophia C, Walter L. and Carrie B. Mr. and Mrs. Ahrens have also given a home to their grandson, Lester E. Golightly who has resided with his grandparents from infancy. No family in Staunton has been more promi- nently connected with the business interests of the place than the Ahrens. Our subject, in 18G2, opened a furniture store and about the same time established a lumber-yard, the first in the place and these two lines of business he successfully carried on until April 24, 1.S74, when he sold out the fur- niture store to Jacob Moebrman, the present pro- prietor. He continued the lumber business and afterward associated with him his son, P. F., while in connection with another son Lc established a lumber-yard in Worden, 111. Soon John C. became sole proprietor and sold out in 1888, removing to Effingham, where he again established business in the same line. The lumber-yard in Staunton be- came under the control of P. F. and A. E., in 1887, and they are now doing a good business. In July, 1888, II. A. Ahrens and W. I. Gates purchased a stock of general merchandise continuing business until March, 1889, when Mr. Gates sold out to our subject, who continued a member of the firm until September, 1.S90, when he turned over the business to his son. Mr. Ahrens came to Staunton when it was a small town and with its development and growth he has been prominently identified. His business interests have been extensive and he has thereby acquired a handsome property, yet he has also found time to devote to public interests and has frequently served his fellow-townsmen in offi- cial positions. He filled the office of Councilman, 230 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL REBORD. was one terra President of the Board, for four terms was Township Clerk and for the long period of fifteen years has served on the School Board. In politics he is a stanch Republican and the duties of the offices he ever faithfully discharged. Both lie and his wife are leading members and active workers in the Methodist Church in which he has served as Class Leader, Sunday school Superin- tendent and is now Trustee. His upright, life has been such as to win the confidence and regard of all and the prosperity which has crowned his efforts is but the just reward of a well-spent life. ^C c*l IVILLIAM T. BEEBY. It is pleasing to see \f\//l a man wuo ' liavin 8 attained years that en- tyy/ title him to the rest and enjoyment of a retrospective view of life, can retire from the active pursuits and enjoy the afternoon of his ex- istence in the peace and serenity consequent upon a knowledge that he has made his struggle well and bravely, and that the results are the award of his present peaceful condition. The gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch, after a long life spent in agricultural pursuits, is now en- joying the fruits of his labor in his pleasant home at Piasa. Mr. Beeby, who is a retired farmer, is of English birth and parentage, his advent into this world being in Lincolnshire, England, March 27, 1833. His father belonged to the class of mechanics, being a plumber and glazier, and having but little else with which to endow his son he early taught him his own trade, and by working with his father, our subject soon became an expert. William Beeby disposed of a small farm which he had owned in the Mother Country and with the proceeds emigrated to America in December, 1851. After landing he proceeded at once to Piasa where he arrived two weeks before Christmas. He first made his living by working out by the month at farm labor which course he pursued for eight years. By that lime his attachment to a bright young lady whose name was Mary Ann Ballett, a fellow-countrywoman of his own, caused him to look forward anxiously for a home of his own. The young couple were married March 27, 1859, and they immediately settled on section 31, where he had purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres. Mrs. Beeby as before said was born in Eng- land, her birthplace being Dorsetshire, and her birthday being July 11, 1838. She was about eleven years old, when with her parents she came to America in the spring of 1851. They belonged to the farming class and made their living in this way. Our subject carried on his farm for over twenty years, making it pay handsomely for the care that he bestowed upon it. At the end of this time he sold his place and free from business cares he paid a visit to his native land, being gone about six months. He could not, however, make up his in i ml to remain there, so strong was the hold that his adopted country hail upon him. He settled in Piasa in the spring of 1881 where he has since lived a retired life. The issues of the day as to local and national government are of great inter- est to Mr. Beeby and his preference in politics is with the Republican party. Mrs. Beeby is a mem- ber of the Methodist Church. The parents of our subject lived and died in Lincolnshire, England. The father was Caesar Jones Beeby. His mother was Elizabeth (Kew) Beeby. Mrs. Beeby's parents emigrated to this country in the spring of 1851 and passed away in Shipman Township. Her father was William Ballett and her mother was Elizabeth (Cobb) Ballett. !JG^ m ^fH)HN JASPER COX, a prominent citizen and business man of Virden Township, was born in Illinois, about a mile and a half from Gilliam's Mound in Jersey County, January 20, 1835. His father, Henry Cox, was a Kentuck- ian, born near Lexington, and a son of one of the pioneers of that State, who was murdered by the Indians. Being left an orphan at an early age, Henry Cox was reared by strangers, and learned the trade of a brickmaker, which he followed at various places in Kentucky and Ohio until 1834, PORTRAIT AND BI( ><;i.',\ PHICAL RECORD. 23 1 when lie removed to Illinois. He waa accompanied in his journey by his wife and six children, and they came by team, camping out on the hl home- stead and in February, 1858, came to Virden to devote himself to mercantile pursuits with his brothers. Mr. Cowen continued actively engaged in busi- ness here until 1802, when he left his partner, Gordon Evans, in charge, in order that he might offer his services to his country to aid in subdu- ing the great rebellion that was threatening the very life of the Union. He enlisted August 13, 18G2. in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty- second Illinois Infantry, and was honored by being elected Captain of his company. He was captured December 20, 1 8 ( i 2 , at Trenton, Tenn., by Forest's command in a raid on the Ohio & Mobile Railroad, lie was marched under guard one week and was then paroled and sent North, where he was exchanged in the spring of 1863. Our gallant Captain then joined his company at Salisbury, Tenn., and was with his regiment in all its subsequent campaigns and battles until peace was declared. He did good service at the battle of Tupelo, inspired his company to do brave deeds at Nashille, and again gave proof of his excel- lent soldierly qualities and worth as a leader before Ft. Blakely, Ala. He was honorably discharged with his regiment at Mobile, Ala., July 15, 1865, but mustered out at Springfield, 111., August :), the same year. At the close of his military life Capt. Cowen re- turned to Virden and at once commenced the stud)' of law. April 5, 1867, he was examined before the Supreme Bench and was admitted to the bar, after passing the crucial test successfully, Judges P. II. Walker, Sidney Breeze and C. 1>. Lawrence signing his certificate. He immediate!)' opened an office at Virden, and has been in active practice here since, lie has an extensive clientage to whose interest he pays the closest attention, and has thus secured the undounded confidence of all who ap- peal to him for legal advice, or who have entrusted to him the management of important affairs. His standing as one of our best lawyers is too well- known to need comment here. Mr. Cowen and Miss Amanda Bartlett were united in marriage March 29, L 855, and they have been eminently happy in their domestic relations. Mrs. Cowen is a native of Wellsville, Me., born December 28, 1833, and a daughter of Joseph W. and Mary (Twombley) Bartlett. For her parental history see sketch of Dr. Bartlett. Mr. and Mrs. Cowen have five children — Nora, Amanda, Blanche B.. Elmer A., Henry II. and Mary A. Nora is the wife of the Rev. Eben C. Sage, Ph. D., a gradu- ate of Yale College, and pastor of the Grand Ave- nue Baptist Church, New Haven, Conu. They have three children — Nora A., Eben Balfour and Tru- man Bartlett. Elmer married Miss Nettie Reed, and they have one child. They are residents of Si. Joseph, Mo. Although chiefly aborbed in his profession, our subject has given some of his time and talent to public service, and has filled positions of trust with dignity ami ability. He was the first Police Mag- istrate of Virden, and has served several terms as City Attorney. His fellow-citizens honored him him and themselves by electing him to represent this district iu the Thirty-second Legislative As- sembly of the State of Illinois. He cast his first vote for J. C. Fremont, and has ever since been a stanch supporter of the Republican party. Socially he is a valued member of John Baird Post, No. 285, G. A. ]$., and of Virden Lodge, No. 161, A. F. & A. M. LIVER C. FORWOOD. The name at the head of this sketch is that of a worthy mem- ber of a family that has held an honorable position for centuries past, its members counting among them the distinguished professional men as well as agriculturists who have done much to im- prove the general condition of the community in which they respectively live. The scion of this family whose history it is our pleasure to here chronicle, resides on section 21, of Sllipman Town- ship, where he has a fine farm in an enviable state of productiveness. Our subject's father was Dr. Parker Forwood 238 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD who was a native of Maryland. He was a practic- ing physician in his native State for many years, and there owned a large farm. Our subject's pater- nal grandfather was John Forwood, who, like his grandson, devoted himself to cultivating the gifts that God allows to spring up from mother earth. He died in Harford County, Md. Our subject's mother was Mollie Smithson in her maiden years. She was born in Harford County, Md., where she was married and where her husband died in Janu- ary, 1866, the mother still surviving. Mr. Forwood is one of thirteen children, he being the ninth in order of birth. Like his parents he was born and reared in Harford County, Md., his natal day being February 6, 1847. He continued to live in Maryland until February, 1865, when he came to Shipman Township. On his arrival in this State he made his daily-bread until 1870 by work- ing by the month for the farmers in the vicinity. He found his wife in Shipman Township, and was married October 12, 1870. His wife's maiden name was Miss Emma Jolly, a daughter of Henry Jolly. Her birth place was Shipman Township, Macoupin County, 111., and her birth occurred on October 1, 1857. Mrs. Forwood's mother was Marian I lay- craft. Previous to her marriage she was the widow of Joel Parker, who died in Shipman Township, November 28, 1843. Mr. Parker and his young wife were married in Kentucky, and came from there to Macoupin County in 1835, settling in Shipman Township. The wife became the mother of seven children by that marriage. They are Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Frances H.,Elmira, Benja- min E., and Luvinia N. The eldest daughter is now the widow of John L. Rhoads; Mary is the wife of F. B. Simpson; Sarah is the widow of Jack- son Calvard; Frances H., is the widow of William M. Simpson; Almira is the widow of James L. Sherman; Luvinia is the wife of Thomas B. For- wood. Mrs. Marian Parker was married to Henry Jolly in Shipman Township, October 10, 1850. But one child came to grace this marriage, that is the wife of the gentleman of whom we are writing. She was born in Shipman Township, October 1, 1851. Soon after the marriage of our subject he settled in Brushy Mound Township, where he lived from the years 1871 to 1876 inclusive, after which time •he removed to Shipman Township, and settled on section 21, where he has since been a resident. The chief occupation of his life has been farming, and he has brought to bear a native energy and stick- to-ativeness that have insured him a success. He owns eighty acres and has good buildings on his farm. Mr. Forwood has held the ollice of Town- ship Assessor. His temperance principles are evi- dent in the fact that he is a voter with the Prohib- itionists, and adds to that party his influence. Mr. and Mrs. Forwood are active members of the Bap- tist Church, taking a conspicuous [tart in every good word and work that is there done. FREDERICK STEIDLEY, one of the best ,,„& known of the old settlers of Barr Township, 'l\ is a son of Solomon Steidley, who was a Marylander, and Rachel Barr who was born in New Jersey. They came from Frederick County, Va., to this county in 1831, and settled in the township which is known as Barr Township, and there lived until their death. He passed away in 1818 and his good wife followed him eight years later. Our subject is the third in a large family of nine children, being born in Virginia, July 8. 1817. He came to tins county with his father in 1834, and has lived in Barr Township and in Greene County, III., from that time to this. His first marriage united him with Catherine Heater, by whom he had two children, who with their moiher have passed to the other world. She died while they were liv- ing in Gieene County. His second marriage gave him as a wife Mary C. Martin, who bore him eleven children, namel} r : Joseph, Martin, James, Anna (deceased,) Mary, George, Rebecca, Rachel and John (deceased,) Charlie and Minnie (deceased). Mrs. Mary C. Steidley died in Barr Township, Jan- uary 20, 1885. Mr. Steidley learned the carpenter's trade, which he has followed in connection with farming, al- though agriculture has been his principal pursuit in life. He owns two hundred and forty acres of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 239 rich and arable soil which he has placed in excel- leni condition and lias rendered doubly productive. He is looked up to as one of the oldest settlers in the township, and his knowledge of the early days makes him an attractive companion, as he can en- tertain the younger generation with many narra- tions of the pioneer days. VfACOI? MOEHRMAN, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business on Main Street in Staunton, where he opened his doors for public custom April 24, 1874, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, on the 23d of March, 1839, and for many generations, as far back as history tells us, his ancestors were resi- dents of that land. His father, Jacob Moehrman, Sr., was also a native of the same province, where he lived and died, passing away at the age of six- ty-live years. He was a shoemaker by trade and had followed that occupation throughout his busi- ness career. He married a Wurtemburg lady-, Miss Margaret Herb, who grew to womanhood in the same locality as her husband. After his death she came to America and is now living with a daugh- ter, Mrs. Rosin Jochim, in Columbus, Ohio, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. She is a member of the Lutheran Church, to which Mr. Moehrman also belonged. In their family were seven children, five of whom came to this country, while one is yet living in the Fatherland. The subject of this sketch is the eldest. He re- mained at home until fifteen years of age and then started out in life for himself, since which time he has been dependent upon his own resources. He began to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker at which he served a full apprenticeship. Also (luring his residence in his native land he was a member of the regular army, serving as a soldier in 1S60, 1801 ami 1862. Subsequently, in 1806, he served in the rebellion which was then in progress in his country, being on active duty for fourteen weeks, dining which time he participated in the battle of Tauberbischofscheim. Mr. Moehrman was united in marriage with Catherine Grossmann, who was born and reared near the childhood home of our subject. They began their domestic life in the Fatherland, where one child came to bless their union and then they started for America, taking passage at Antwerp upon a steamer which sailed May 21, 1869. They landed in New York and thence made their way to Alton, where they spent two and a half years, Mr. Moehrman working at his trade of a cabinet- maker. He also worked in the same line and for a similar length of time in Maltoon, whence he came to Staunton and here purchased the furniture es- tablishment of John M. Ahrens. Seventeen years have since passed during which time he has met with signal success. His stock is full and complete and in addition to the store located on Main Street he has a large wareroom well filled. He also carries on the undertaking business and by enterprise and ability has succeeded in building up a good trade. Although he had no capital when he came to this country he has succeeded in acquiring a handsome competence and is num- bered among the substantial citizens of the commu- nity. Mr. and Mrs. Moehrman are members of the Lutheran Church. They now have a family of three children, the eldest of whom, Charles F., was educated both in the English and German lan- guages and is now associated with his father in the furniture store, being a promising young man possessed of excellent business qualifications. Em- ma and Elizabeth, the daughters, are still at home. Mr. Moehrman and his son are Republicans in politics. *E E^^- ^|/OHN L. SOLOMON, who resides on section 17, North Palmyra Township, is a son of Judge Lewis Solomon, deceased, and a nephew of 1). N. Solomon, of Palmyra. The father was one of the oldest settlers of Macou- pin County and was intimately identified with the history of this part of the State. He was born April 1, 1812, in Muhlenberg County, Ky., and came of Welsh and English origin. His grand- 240 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. father, who bore the name of Lewis Solomon, took part in the Revolutionary War, being one of that daring band who, under the gallant Marion, did such good service in the campaigns in South Caro- lina. Judge Solomon's grandmother was a woman of remarkable bravery and determination and on one occasion drove the British out of her house with a poker. The grandfather of our subject removed from Kentucky to Illinois in 1825. The mother and three youngest children rode in the cart with the household goods and the remainder of the family trudged on foot. The family fortunes had been sadly impaired b3 7 the breaking of the Common- wealth Lank of Kentucky and they had no money with which to purchase land. Their first settle- ment was in Morgan County, but in the spring of 1827 the family removed to Macoupin County and located two miles north of Palmyra. The grand- parents died here in 1819 and 1850. Judge Solomon was in his fifteenth year when he came to Ibis county. He had attended a subscrip- tion school in Kentucky for a few months only ami herein the summer of 1829 he attended a school kept by his brother-in.Iaw. James Howard. He was a boy of bright faculties and learned rapidly, excelling in mathematics. In the year 1832, when twenty years old, Lewis Solomon volunteered in the Black Hawk War, and during this two months' campaign experienced considerable hardship. He was in the engagement twenty miles from Dixon and at one time the men in his regiment were five days without bread. On starting out he weighed one hundred and fifty pounds and lost twenty-five during service. Subsequent to this active experi- ence he was made Major of the Sixty-second regi- ment of State Militia and was considered one of the best militia officers in Illinois. The mother of our subject was Nancy Ann Fink'. a native of Kentucky and a daughter of John Fink. one of the early settlers of Bair Township. Her marriage to Lewis Solomon was solemnized June 23, 1856. By hard work and untiring enterprise the young man accumulated a few hundred dollars and at the time of his father's death purchased the interest of the other- heirs to the estate and moved onto the homestead farm, but two years previous to his marriage he had purchased three hundred and sixty acres of land in North Palmyra Town- ship, where he has since made his home. He is the owner of the largest body of land in the pos- session of one man in this township. His first wife died September 18, 1863. She was the mother of twelve children, of whom nine grew to maturity. His second marriage was with Mrs. Mary Ann (Ba- ker) Butcher. During the War of the Rebellion the father of our subject was a prominent war Democrat and as- sisted in sending to the South forty-three men from Palmyra precinct, two of whom he placed in the field with his own means. He has ever adhered to the party which was made illustrious by the names of Jefferson and Jackson. He received numerous tokens of the confidence and esteem of the people and at different times served as Constable, Assessor, Justice of the Peace, member of the Legislature and County Judge. In 18C1 he was made a mem- ber of the Constitutional Convention, the nomina- tion io which was entirely unsought. In 1870 he was elected to the State Senate and while in the Legislature he was an active and efficient member, devoting his attention to such legislation as would secure the best interests of the people. In the Senate he served on three or four important com- mittees and his views commanded the respect of even his political opponents, lie was the author of a bill giving landowners a right to redeem lands sold at tax sales at twenty-five per cent, addition the first six months, fifty per cent, the first twelve months, one hundred per cent, for two years and after that no redemption; the previous law required an addition of one hundred per cent, penalty any time after the sale. Scarcely a man in the county held so many positions nor received so many marks of public favor. Upon his character for honesty and integrity a suspicion was never breathed. His life was open to the view of the citizens of the county and not a stain can be found on his record as a public officer or as a private citizen. Our subject was one of the youngest members of his father's family, being born in North Palmyra Township, March 0, 1852. Here he was reared to manhood and here he established his home. He was educated first in the common schools and later PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 241 in the college at Eureka. He was married in North Otter Township August 6, 1874, and took for his bride Rhoda, a daughter of Andrew A. and Lizzie (Brown) Atkins. Tint, worthy couple died in Greene County, 111., which was the native county of their daughter Rhoda. her natal day being Sep- tember 28, 1853. John L. Solomon has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and has made a specialty of fine horses and bronze turkeys. A serious disaster befell the household of our sub- ject in the fall of 1879, in the destruction by fire of their pleasant home. He has rebuilt his house in better style than before and now owns one hun- dred and seventy-five acres, most of which is in North Palmyra Township. Three children have blessed this home — Bertha,. lesse and Elzena. Jesse died when he was about a year old. Mr. Solomon has taken an active part in political affairs, being a Democrat both by training and conviction. He has held the oflice of Justice of the Peace for four years and is an active member of the Farmer's Alliance, bci:ig ever wide-f.wake to the interests, so- cial and pecuniary, of the fanning community. The excellent lady who presides witli so much grace and dignity over his home is an earnest ami consistent member of the Christian Church, in which she is active for good. W OSEPI1 11. BARBER, who owns one of the finest stock farms in the county, located on sections 3, 4, 9 and 10, Brighton Township, was born in the Keystone State, his birth having occurred in Columbia County, June 23, 1825. The family was originally of Scotch ori- gin, but in early Colonial days was established in America. Thomas Barber, father of our subject, was also born in Columbia County, and when he had attained to mature years wedded Miss Mary Henderson, a native of the same county, where they spent their entire lives, both passing away when past the age of three score years. They wire representative farming people of that com- munity, highly respected by all, and were members of the Presbyterian Church. In play and work, in the usual manner of farmer lads, our subject spent the days of his childhood and youth. He was early inured to hard labor and the lessons of industry and self- reliance which he then learned have remained with him throughout the succeeding years and proved important factors in his success. After attaining to mature years he left the parental roof and started out in life for himself. He deter- mined to make tli3 West the scene of his future labor, and on coming to Illinois, located in Chi- cago, where he spent three years and then came to Macoupin County. In the meantime he was mar- ried in Mendota to Miss Elizabeth Sproule, who was born Columbia County, Pa., and on the father's side is of Irish descent, while her mother's people had long been residents of the Keystone State. Her parents both died in Pennsylvania, while she was a child, and she came to Illinois to join her brothers who had emigrated to this State some time before and settled in Lee County. P.oth Mr. and Mrs. Barber, together with their children, attend the Methodist Church and in politics he is an old Jackson Democrat. They are well-known citizens of the community, having been closely connected with the best interests of the township for many years, and by those who know them arc held in high regard. Throughout his business career Mr. Barber has engaged in general farming ani stock-raising. He now owns an excellent farm of three hundred and thirty-five acres, much of which is under a high state of cultivation and yields him a golden trib- ute for the care and labor he bestows upon it. He raises a good grade of cattle, sheep and hogs, not an inferior animal being seen upon the place, but. the greater part of his attention has been devoted to the breeding and training of thorough-bred horses. He is a lover of the noble steed and an excellent judge of fine horses. He owns some fine specimens of the Wilkes blood and has several young colts who possess all the best points of the thorough- bred. Upon bis farm there is a good half- mile course used by Mr. Barber in training and developing the speed of young horses, and he has a reputation as a trainer which extends through- out the surrounding country. At the local fairs 242 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he has also taken many premiums upon his other stock. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Barber have been born five children and the family circle yet re- mains unbroken. James C, the eldest, aids his father in the operation of the old homestead; John E. married Miss Wildia Turk and is now engaged as a prominent dealer and breeder of horses in Windsor, Mo. ; Robert Lincoln is also engaged in the operation of the home farm; Lural L. and Margaret, both accomplished young ladies, are yet at home. -J»t»*^t^^^r-^«SM^*6=- \f?ACOB M. HANSHAW. Among the old settlers who deserve and receive the esteem and veneration of the entire neighborhood if) there is none probably more beloved and respected than the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. Ilis long residence in North Palmyra Township and the character which he has maintained for integrity and true-hearted neighborliness has made him the friend of every man. His father, Benjamin Hanshaw, was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother, Susannah Simpson, a native of Frederick County, Ya., grew to wom- anhood in that State. There she was married to Benjamin Hanshaw and after some years of resi- dence in her native county, they removed to Darke County, Ohio, where she died July 1"), 1852. Her husband came to Macoupin County, this State, that same year and made his home with our subject until his death which occurred Feburary 5, 1878. The subject of this sketch was the sixth in a family of eleven children, and was born in Bote- tourt County, Ya., August 20, 1823. There he passed the early years of his life up to the age of seventeen, when he came with his father to Darke County, Ohio, where he continued to live until the fall of 1852. He then came to this county and made his home in North Palmyra Township, where he has since been a resident. Jacob Hanshaw was married in Wayne County, Ind., October 4, 1853, to Miss Melinda M. Kittin- ger, a daughter of David and Peggy (Helms) Kit- tinger, Mr. Kittinger was a native of Pennsylva- nia and his wife of Virginia. Their death occurred in Wayne County, Ind. Mrs. Hanshaw was the sixth in a family of eleven children. Her birth occurred in Botetourt County, Va., March 10, 1828. Ten children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hanshaw; their eldest, Rebecca G., died when eighteen months old, and the second, Mary E., also passed away in infancy. Benjamin D. mar- ried Miss Lillie Tonget, and they reside in North Palmyra Township and have one child. Olive M. Parthena E. is the wife of Alonzo Gant, and they have four children living: Clarence, Ethel, Jacob and Mary. Hattie A. is the wife of William Bar- tun and the mother of three children: Addie, Eula and Jennie. The next two children, Virginia and Martin L. died in infancy, and Sarah A.. Amic M. and Flora E. complete the circle. Agricultural pursuits have engaged the lime and energy of Mr. Hanshaw and he has made good improvements on his farm of one hundred and forty acres. From girlhood Airs. Hanshaw has been an active mem- ber of the Methodist Chinch, in which she is a power for good. "jfjOIIN A. FDLLINGTON, who is one of the honored residents of Carlinville Town- ship, was born in East Tennessee, Decem- ber 17, 1858. When he was twelve years old his father, the late Elijah Fullington, with his wife and children emigrated some three or four hundred miles farther west to the State of Arkan- sas. Here they established their home. In the hard toil of the farm, John A. Fullington spent the years of his childhood and youth. Very early in life he developed a taste for agriculture and felt a strong desire to become an able farmer. Upon his arrival in Macoupin County, 111., in August, 1877, he obtained a situation as a farm lab- orer with a view of becoming, at no distant day, manager of a farm in his own behalf. He remained in this occupation for two years. He was a most exemplary young man, punctual in every duty, ilBRAHY OP THE UNIVFP'jitv c c : ' -»*% ':> ■ ■■: I'Vi/v^r-'J!'.-'-- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 245 never allowing li is services to be called for with- out a ready response. Genial and sympathetic in his nature, he has drawn around him troops of friends. Mr. Fulliugton'a father was a Democrat and he adheres to the same faith. On December 25, 1879, he married Miss Melissa Anderson, of Carlinville, 111., a lady altogether worthy of him, cultured and refined. She is the daughter of M. M. and Melvina Anderson, a sketch of whose lives is presented on another page of this volume. She was born in Carlinville, January 19, 1857, and is the mother of six children: Carrie B., Malcolm E., Ota M., Walter G. and Lorin E. Death carried away one child in infancy. At the time of his marriage our subject took upon him- self the responsibility and management of a farm, renting one hundred and sixty acres in Carlinville Township on Section 18, where he has since been a resident. Much of his time is given to stock- raising, which he makes a special feature in his list of profitable productions. He is laborious in the care and attention which he bestows upon the acres entrusted to him, the performance of his arduous duties bringing him a very satisfactory return. In the prosecution of his work he expends his energy judiciously allowing himself ample time to culti- vate m : nd and heart as well as those domestic ties of the dearest nature. Mr. and Mrs. Eullington are members of the Baptist Church of Carlinville. o ^ OBERT WIIITELEV. There is no estimat- ing the force of a quiet life of patient con- tinuance in well doing, of unswerving \£) fidelity to the duties of the hour. As with beautiful flowers hidden behind stone walls, the very air scatters far and near the fragrance of an upright life. If trie character is good it refreshes as the dew and makes the memory blessed for years after mother earth claims all that is mortal. Every beautiful virtue shines out in the life and decks with royal purple the robe of humility. The influence of a pure character is as potent in the office, the shop or factory as it is in the quiet of home or amid the worship of the sanctuary. The friends of Mr. Whiteley recognize the nobility of his nature and hold him in high esteem. One of our English-born fathers who had brought to this country the sterling qualities of the En- glish yeomanry, Mr. Whiteley has made a success of agriculture in the Prairie State. He resides on section 9, Bird Township, and represents that township on the County Board of Supervisors. He was born near York, Yorkshire. England, in Au- gust, 1819, and in his native place grew to mini's estate. In 184 1 he came to America, making the voyage in a sailing vessel and landing in New Or- leans on March 17, of that year. He proceeded directly to South Palmyra Township, this county, and here established his home. But that dire affliction of the Mississippi Valley, fever and ague. soon attacked him and to benefit his health he spent in New Orleans the first seven years of his resi- dence in America. In New Orleans he followed d raying. Mr. Whiteley returned to Macoupin County each spring with but one exception, when, in the year 1849, he passed the summer season at the old home in England. In 1851 he purchased a portion of the farm where he now lives, and in the follow- ing spring made it his permanent home. He was reared on a farm in England, and agriculture has been his chief occupation through life. He now owns over seven hundred acres, which he has gained by adding little by little to the two hun- dred and ten which he purchased in 1851. He has erected upon his farm a complete set of farm build- ings, which are worthy the admiration of a passer- by. Having by arduous exertions gained a compe- tency for his declining years Mr. Whiteley now rents his farm and lives a retired life. He was married in Western Mound Township, to Miss Adeline Morris, a native of that township, who died in December, 1869. She was the mother of ten children, three of whom are now living, namely: Mary A.; Sarah <>.. Mrs. James McAliney; and Robert. The children whom they lost died when quite young. Mr. Whiteley has been Highway Commissioner for nine years, has served as School Director for sometime, and was elected Supervisor of Bird 246 PORTRAIT AND. BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Township in the spring of 1890. lie has ever taken an active interest in political affairs, anil is a broad-minded and intelligent man. His earlier affil- iations were with the Whig party, bat later he be- came a Republican. His early religious training at home was in the Church of England, and he is here identified with the Episcopal Church. This public-spirited and representative citizen is a man of genial disposition, and his neighbors rejoice in his prosperity. The attention of our readers is invited to the lithographic portrait of Mr. Whiteley which ap- pears in connection with this brief personal notice. KN.JAMIN F. BOWKRSOX. The gentle- man whose name heads this sketch is oper- ating the farm, which belongs to his mother, located on section 9, Nilwood Township. His father was Jacob P.owersox a native of Union County, Pa., and his mother was Mary (Scudder) Bowersox. They came to Macoupin County, about 1863 and settled in Nilwood Township. In 1876 the father bade a long farewell to his sorrowing family and passed to the better land. The mother still survives tenderly and lovingly cared for by her affectionate children. The original of this sketch is one of nine children, he being the seventh. His birthplace was Miami County, Ohio, from which place his parents emi- grated to Macoupin County. His natal day was •Inly 28, 1815. He was reared under his mother's care until he arrived at manhood, remaining under his father's roof until the family came to this county in 1863. He was married in Montgomery County, 111., September 1, 1868 to Miss Sarah Studebaker, a daughter of John and Mary (Ncffe) Studebaker who originally came from Elkhart County, Ind., and settled in this county in 1866; here they remained about two years and then removed to Montgomery County, 111., where the father died November 3, 1887. Mrs. Bowersox was born in Elkhart County, April 16, 1848. The family remained in Macoupin County, until the spring of 1871 when they removed to Morrison, Montgomery County. Here our subject engaged in carpenter work until the fall of 1875 when he returned to Macoupin County. Mr. Bowersox's occupation has been for the greater part of life that of farming, in which he carries on a general agricultural business. He re- sides on a part of the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Bowersox are the parents of three children. They are: Jacob H., Mary M. and Darwin D. Our subject has been the Collector for his township for several years; both he and Mrs. Bowersox are members of the German Baptist Church. He of whom we write is a man of sterling integ- rity and strong principles, unpretentious and simple in his manners and sty lc of living, and is a true friend and enthusiastic supporter of any means that promise to be to the advantage of his fellow-towns men. His wife has been his helpmate for many yens and like Cornelia she could say to her neigh- bors to whom life is but a festive occasion for dis- play, in reference to her children, ''these are my jewels." Her care for her home and family mark her a model housewife. ^)NDIMON FANSLER is a prosperous farmer of Barr Township, whose farm is on section 4. His father, David Pansier, was born in Stokes County, N. C, and his mother, Polly Ship- ley, was a native of Sullivan County, Tenn., where the father finally died and where our subject was born, October 12, 1827, the eldest in a family of eight children. Here he was reared to manhood and remained until the fall of 1847, when he en- listed in Company A, Fifth Tennessee Regiment, and served in the Mexican War for about five months. Peace being declared, he returned to Tennessee and resumed the occupations of peace. The marriage of our subject to Miss Amanda King, who was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., oc- curred soon after his return from the war. They settled in their native county and there remained until the spring of 1852, when they came to Ma- coupin County and settled in Barr Township, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 247 which 1ms since been a family home. Eight chil- dren graced their home, namely: William, who be- came a teacher in the public schools and died in Palmyra; Thomas, who is a resident of Chicago; Henry, who is farming in Barr Township; Mary- who is now Mrs. James Searcy; her first husband was Allen Duncan and after his death she married Mr. Searcy; Ella, the wife of R. M. McCollom; ■lames, who is living in this township; Joseph, who is a farmer: and Halley. The mother of these children passed away from earth in Barr Township nearly twenty years ago. The second marriage of Mr. Pansier united him with Mrs. Mary E. (Dalby) Bell, the widow of Stephen Bell and daughter of Israel and Eliza (Og- den) Dalby. They have three children: Jennie, Belle and Carroll. The second child died in child hood. Mr. Fansler has always been engaged in agricul- tural pursuits and has made good improvements upon his fine farm of two hundred and forty-five acres. His political views led him to affiliate with the Democratic party and he has been Highway Commissioner of the township. Both he and his excellent wife are earnest and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they find a broad field of influence and effort. Mr. Pansier fills the offices of Steward and Trustee and is highly trusted in these official capacities. ||( SHBEL G. DAVID. Among the promi- nent and well-known citizens of Carlin- ville, we are pleased to mention the name which appears at the head of this sketch, the name of the gentleman who has been for years identified with the Democrat of that city, and who, since 1881, has been sole proprietor of that enter- prising sheet which he had helped to bring to its present prosperous condition. He was born near Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa., March 2.5, 1832. His father, Jesse David, born in the same county, was a son of David G. W. David, who, as his name indicates, was born in Wales, but came to America when a lad in company with a brother. He re- ceived a good education and for many years was a teacher. He became a pioneer in Payette County, buying lumber land near Ft. Necessity. He was one of the pioneer teachers of that region and for a number of years taught during the winters, and devoted the rest of the yenr to his land. He thus spent the remainder of his life. The father of our subject was reared on his fa- ther's farm in his native county, and resided there until 1839, when he came to Illinois and settled in Jersey County. He came by team to Brownsville, and then by way of the Monongahcla, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Alton. There he took team again and traveled to Jersey County, where he en- tered a tract of timber land in what is now Piasa Township. There he built a shanty without any floor, in which his family lived for five months while he was building a comfortable frame house. He cleared quite a tract of the land, and made his home there until 1850 when he sold out and re- moved to Macoupin County, Inlying land two miles east of Bunker Hill, where he died in April, 1852. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Barbara Pentzer. This lady was of German ancestry but a native of Pennsylvania, being born in Little Cove, in Bedford County, which is located near (iettysburg. Her father, George Pentzer, was a native of Prussia, and his father, Valentine, came from Prussia to America with his family soon after the Revolutionary era. He and his faithful wife did not live long after their emigration to this country, and left two sons and three daughters to mourn their loss. George Pentzer was about ten years old when his parents brought him to America and soon after his father's death he was hired out by the county authorities, to a distiller, who taught him his business, lie married in Pennsylvania, a lady of Irish birth, and when the Washingtonian movement opened his eyes to the iniquity of the manufacture of liquor, hegaveupthe business of distilling, and in 1821 removed to Fayette County and engaged in farming. Nine years later he re- moved ter Jersey County, III., and buying a tract of land in l'iasa Township, made it his home for some years, after which he resided with his children anil died at the home of his daughter Barbara, Mrs. David, passing away in 1852, anil this daughter 248 PORTRAIT AND .BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. dying in August, 1879 at Lincoln, III. She reared six children: our subject, Jacob P., George <>., Jane, Lewis D. and Samuel W. The gentleman of whom we write is the eldest of his father's family and after receiving a fair educa- tion, taught school for some time and then clerked in a store in Gillespie, until 1857. He then entered the grain and grocery business for himself in Gillespie and afterward in Hunker Hill. During the days of the war, he spent several months at Camp Butler, Springfield, as Post Sutler for the Ninety-seventh Regiment, Illinois Infantry, and later he went down the Mississippi River as sutler on a boat. In July, 1863, he located at Brighton, and formed a partnership with L. P. and E. B. Stratton, in the grain business. In 1866, lie aban- doned this on account of his wife's failing health, and returned to Bunker Hill, and there remained until after the death of his wife which occurred July 3, 1866. After this he was engaged variously in the milling, commission and mercantile business in Bunker Hill, St. Louis, Leavenworth, Kan., Lin- coln, 111., and Hamilton, Mo. After working for some time on the Caldwell County Sentinel, lie came in November, 1870, to Carlinville and en- gaged with the Denim-rat in the capacity of travel- ing agent and correspondent. While traveling through this county as correspondent, Mr. David made his reputation as a pleasant, ready, descrip- tive writer. His articles were widely read and copied by other local journals. In August 1871, he entered the office as local editor and book- keeper. He has a pleasant, even style of writing and the local columns of the Democrat, were given a new vigor and raciness by his work. In August. 1879, he bought one half of the stock of the paper. and in 1881, he bought out his partner's interest and since that time has been sole proprietor. In politics, Mr. David is a Republican and he cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont. As a man he is regarded as an upright and exem- plary citizen and as such, he enjoys the esteem and respect of the community. His marriage, in ( )ctober, 1855, united him with Miss Elizabeth Carter, a na- tive of Lexington, Ky. They had one child, a son, who has grown to manhood, and has been con- nected with one of the St. Louis daily papers. Mrs. Elizabeth David died July 3, 1866. On April 16, 1871, our subject was again married, being united with Mrs. Eliza A. Stagg, of Mason City, 111., and a native of New York. His two sons are named Frederick E. and Herbert A. Mr. David has been a Director of the Carlin- ville Loan and Building Association since its or- ganization and is an active member of the Presby- terian Church in which he bas been an Elder for about fifteen years. He is also prominently con- nected with some of the social orders and belongs to Mount Nebo Lodge No. 76, A. F. & A. M., and to Silver Lodge No. 249, K. of H. 3€ D-.ANIEL BLODGET, deceased. Only by | written record can we perpetuate the lives of those who have passed away and surely no one more deserves mention in this volume than Daniel Blodget, who for a half century was connected with the history of the county and did more to upbuild Brighton than any other man. He was born in New Hampshire on the 15th of January, 1810, and came of good old Revolutionary stock, his grandfather having served as a soldier in the war for independence. His people be- longed to a highly respected New England family. His parents, Darius and Ellen (Flanders) Blodget, were also natives of New England, and died in the Granite State not many miles from the White Mountains. Our subject lost his mother when he quite young, after which his father was again mar- ried. He remained at home until he had attained his majority and when a young man of twenty-five years he emigrated Westward, locating in this community in 1835. From that time he was prominently identified with the history of the com- munity and the growth and upbuilding of Brigh- ton. He embarked in business as a general mer- chant, soon built up a flourishing trade and be- came one of the leading business men of the place. In the early days when others would hold their property high he would sell lots very cheap so as to induce settlers to here locate. Often times if a poor man wished to engage in some business, if he PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 249 bad money enough to build a shop or store, Mr. Blodget would give him the land on which to build, lie carried on his own business with most excellent success, becoming quite prosperous until at length he was forced to retire on account of the loss of his hearing some years before he died. Our subject was the first Postmaster of Brigh- ton, the office being established in 1835. He came to Brighton a single man ami here married Ellen Jones, a native of England, who came to this country with her parents when a child, the family settling in Brighton Township, Macoupin County, where she grew to womanhood. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Church and at her death which occurred a few years after her marriage, her loss was mourned by many friends. Mr. Blodget was again married in Brighton, to a daughter of Rev. Simon and Elizabeth II. (Hughes) Peter, na- tives of Tennessee, whose people came from Mary- land. After their marriage Mr. Peter and his wife settled in Tennessee where he became a prom- inent Methodist minister. He was bitterly op- posed to slavery and when the church was divided upon that question he took a decided stand with the Northern church. With his family he came to Illinois in 1829, locating in Madison County, two miles from Monticello, where as a pioneer preacher he labored for many years, his first district ex- tending from Springfield to Edwardsville. lie rode from place to place on horseback and his labors in the cause of Christianit} - were productive of much good. He and his wife finally retired from active life, taking tip their residence in Brighton, where Mr. Peter died April 12, 1877, at the age of eighty-five years. The death of his wife occurred March 4, 1875, when seventy -one years of age. They were widely known for their good works and after long and useful lives passed to their reward. In their family were twelve children, nine of whom arc still living. Mrs. Blodget was yet a young maiden when her parents came to Illinois; by her marriage she has two children — Daniel Newton, who wedded Jennie Flanigan who is living in Brighton; and Samuel Peter, who makes his home with his brother, the two being engaged in farm- ing and dairying. Mr. Blodget lived an upright life, his public and private career being alike above reproach. He won many friends but made no enemies. In early life he was a Whig in political sentiment but joined the Republican party on its organization and be- came one of the strongest advocates of the Union cause (luring the rebellion. lie predicted at its out- break that the war would not close until slavery had been overthrown. The cause of temperance ever found in him a warm friend and he labored untiringly in its interest, doing much to suppress the liquor traffic. He gave liberally of his means to the Band of Hope in Brighton and several years before his death voted the Prohibition ticket. He lived as a Christian and when life's work on earth was ended he passed to his reward November 27, 1889. Like her husband, Mrs. Blodget delights in doing good and the poor and needy have found in her a warm friend. At the age of twelve years she united with the Methodist Church and has since been one of its active and consistent members. Her home is still in Brighton where she has con- tinued to reside since her husband's death. O^fl; ILLIAM G. COLMAN, one of the self- \f\ll made men and leading farmers of Bunker v Y Hill Township, residing on section 25, is of German birth and the Fatherland has furnished to America no better citizen. He was born in the kingdom of Hanover, on the 15th of May. 182 1, and his parents, George and Frances Colinan, spent 'heir entire lives there. Both are now deceased, the father having passed away at the age of sev- enty-two years, while his wife attained to the ad- vanced age of eighty-three. They were members of the Lutheran ( hurch and lived the life of fann- ing people throughout their days. They had a large family but only three of the number ever crossed the ocean to America. Our subject was the first to seek a home in the United States and after his emigration two sisters ciosscd the water — Mrs. Aggie Cooper, a widow, now living in Madison County, and Mrs. Annie linmenga. whose home is in this county. We now take up the personal history of William 250 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Colman, in whom the people of Macoupin County are especially interested. The advantages of his youth were limited and during his boyhood he learned the trade of a carpenter which he followed during his residence in his native land. On attain- ing to years of maturity he was united in mairiage with Miss Hannah Schlacter, who was also bom and reared in the kingdom of Hanover, and is a daugh- ter of John and Emma .Schlacter who came to this county and made Illinois their home. The father died in Madison County and the death of the mother occurred in Macoupin County. In religious belief both were Lutherans and by those who knew them they were held in high regard. Mr. and Mrs. Colman began their domestic life in their native land, where two children were born unto them, after which they determined to try their fortunes in the New World and in September, 1859, having bade good by to home and friends they boarded the sailing vessel "Albert"' at Bre- men, which after a long and tedious voyage reached the port of New Orleans. Landing, they secured passage on a boat which bore them up the Missis- sippi River to .St. Louis, whence they went to Al- ton. Mr. Colman was then a poor man, having no capital with which to begin life in the New World and as he could not purchase a farm rented land. He had determined, however, to better his finan- cial condition and with characteristic energy he began his work, exercising industry and economy until thereby he secured a sufficient sum to buy a small piece of land. His first purchase consisted of sixty acres, where he now lives, and to this he added from time to time until at present one hun- dred and thirty acres yield to him a golden trib- ute in return for his care and cultivation. It was at first covered with timber but he cleared and plowed the land, planted crops and in course of time was reaping abundant harvests as a reward for his labor. Every improvement upon the place was put there by Mr. Colman and the well-tilled fields, together with the neat appearance of the farm indi- cates good management and industry on the part of the owner. The death of Mrs. Colman occurred at her home in Bunker Hill Township, September 19. 1890, at the age of lift^'-nine years and four months. She was a faithful and loving wife and mother, a kind neighbor and a life-long member of the Lutheran Church. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Colman num- bered seven children, one of whom is now deceased, Anna, who died on her twenty-fifth birthday; Frances is now the wife of Christopher Tunker, who owns and operates a brick yard in Bunker Hill Township; Emma, married John Smith and is liv- ing in Kansas City; Mi.ggie is the wife of Frank Davis, a machinist of Nevada, Mo.; Hannah is the wife of William Dietz, a resident farmer of Bun- ker Hill Township; Mary who remains at home and attends to the household work for her father; and George, who assists in operating the farm. In political sentiment Mr. Colman is a Demo- crat and keeps himself well informed concerning the issues of the day but has never sought or de- sired public office, having served only as Highway Commissioner of his township. In religious belief he is a Lutheran. For about thirty years he has resided in this community and his life during all that period has been only such as to win the confi- dence and good will of all. ">&£&&&+' *|?tf A RON- F. CARTER, now deceased, was one @H of the prominent and honored citizens of /// I* Bunker Hill and the surrounding country. id^ He came to this county in 1840 and for thirty years or until his death was prominently connected with its upbuilding. He was born in Morris County, N. J., and was descended from New England ancestry. In the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared to manhood and when he had at- tained to mature years, in the county of his nativ- ity he was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah B. Smalley, who was born in Somerset County, N. J., December 27, 1810, and is a daughter of David D. and Mary (Blackford) Smalley, who were also na- tives of Somerset County and came of English and French origin. After their marriage they lived upon a large farm in Somerset County until their deaths. Mr. Smalley died at the age of forty years ami his wife died in the thirty-fourth year of her age. They were members of the Seventh Day Bap- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 25 1 tist Church and took a prominent part in all the af- fairs of the community. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Carter, whose name was David Smalley, was a leading and influential citizen of New Jersey and served as Secretary to Gen. Washington dur- ing the Revolutionary War. At the same time all of his brothers were engaged in the struggle for in- dependence and aided in achieving American lib- erty. He married Hannah Ralph, a native of New Jersey, of Dutch ancestry and they spent their en- tire lives upon a farm in Somerset County, among a people by whom they are highly honored and es- teemed. Mr. Smalley served his district as Cir- cuit Judge for some years and was a prominent politician in his day. Both he and his wife were members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church. Mrs. Carter was left an orphan at an early age and in her maidenhood she learned the tailor's trade, which she followed in New Jersey and to some extent since she came to Illinois. In the spring of 1840 Mi', and Mrs. Carter located in Jer- sey ville and in a few months later took up their residence in Macoupin County, where he entered land from the Government. After making some improvements 'hereon he sold and entered land, in Hilyard Township. This he did until he had cleared, cultivated and improved seven different farms and finally he located upon a valuable tract of land just east of the city of Bunker Hill, where he made his home until his death. He also pur- chased an entire block which is now situated near the center of Bunker Hill and has become a valuable piece of property. h\ October, 1870, at the age of sixty-two years he passed away. In his death the community lost one of its best citizens, his neigh- bors a kind friend and his wife a true and loving husband. For years he had been a prominent mem- ber of the Methodist Church and had served as Sunday-school Superintendent and exhorter and Class-Leader. In politics he was a Democrat but never sought or desired public office. He led a busy and useful life, was a man of charitable and benevolent impulses and ranked high in the esteem of his fellow-townsmen for his sterling worth. Since her husband's death Mrs. Carter has lived in Bunker Hill, her home being situated on the block before mentioned. She still retains posses- sion of the home farm and besides has other valua- ble property which yields her a good income. Her eighty years rest lightly upon her and her hair is but slightly tinged with grey, while she still retains much of the vitality and energy which character- ized her in earlier years. She is a faithful member of the Methodist Church and has taken a promi- nent part in its work. The poor and needy find in her a warm friend and her generous and kind acts have endeared her to the hearts of many. She has never hail any children of her own but has givsn homes to three: Mrs. Delia (Wilson) Mcintosh, now of Omaha, Neb.; Leroy Wilson, who is living in New York; and llattie L. Wilson. Three per- sons now comprise the Carter household: Mrs. Car- ter, her niece, Miss May Smalley, and her sister's granddaughter, Miss llattie Wilson. Both are ac- complished young ladies and the latter is now a teacher of recognized ability in the schools of this community. AMES W. DUNCAN was for several years a resident of this county, and during the latter part of his life was one of the leading / farmers of South Palmyra Township, owning one of the best farms in that locality, and his death was a severe blow to its most important industry. He was born in Washington County, Tenn;, July 4, 18,'52, and was a son of James Duncan, who is also supposed to have been a native of Tennessee, lie in turn was a son of Joseph Duncan, who was a pioneer farmer of that State and spent his last years in Washington County, where he cleared a farm from the wilderness. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and was a pensioner during the latter part of his life. The father of our subject grew to maturity in his native county, and began his career as a far- mer on the old homestead that was his birthplace, a part of which he inherited, and he bought the re- mainder of the other heirs to the estate. He re- sided thereon many years, actively engaged in agriculture, but in 1856 he came to Illinois to spend his last days with his children, and his life 252 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was brought to a close in the home of our subject near Guard. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Hunt, died at the home of their daughter near Sulphur Springs, Macoupin County. He of whom these lines are a brief biographical record passed his early life amid the scenes of his birth, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-one. He was of a thoughtful, studious turn of mind, and ambitious to gain an education, he made the best of his advantages at Fall Branch College. When he attained his majority he came to Illinois, and utilized his knowledge of books by teaching in South Palmyra Township two years. He then bought some wild prairie land near Girard, at the rale of $10 an acre, and buying a house moved it to his land for a dwelling. He broke and fenced his land, and lived on it eight years after his marriage. At the expiration of that time he sold and removed to Girard, where he engaged in the grain business the ensuing two years. Af- ter that he bought the farm on section 8, South Palmyra Township now occupied by his family. It comprises three hundred and eight acres of land of surpassing fertility, and with its line improve- ments ranks among the best in the township. March 25, 1861, was the date of the marriage of Mr. Duncan with Abigail Proffitt, a native of Tennessee, and to her active and able co-opera- tion he owed much of his prosperity. Three of the children born of their marriage are living: John W., who married Miss Fannie Thaeker; Jos- eph B. and James T. Their first-born child, Allen C, married Mary Fansler, and after marriage set- tled in Franklin County, Kan., where he died in 1882. Mrs. Duncan's father, Daniel B. Proffitt, was a native of the same Tennessee county in which his daughter was born. He was a son of John Proffitt, who is also thought to have been born in that county. He carried on his business as a farmer there, improved a farm, and continued to live in that county until his demise. The maiden name of his wife was Mollie Barnes, and she was a life- long resident of Tennessee. Daniel B. Proffitt was reared and married in the county of his nativity. He inherited a part of his father's old homestead, and bought the interest of the other heirs in it. He made it his home unlil 1854, and then came to Illinois, journeying on a flat boat- down the Tennessee River to Paducah. K\ -., and thence by steamer on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Alton, and from there by rail to this county. He bought a home in South Palmyra Township, in which he dwelt until he closed his eyes in the dreamless sleep of death. His widow spent her last years with her daughter, Mrs. Dun- can. Her maiden name was Sarah Range, and she was born in Washington County, Tenn., a daughter of John and Abigail Range. Our subject passed away November 24, 1889. He left a record worthy of emulation of one who by right living had won the full trust and regard of all with whom came in contact. He conscientiously and unfalteringly strove to do his duty at all times and in all places, and the Baptist Church, which he joined in his youth, found in him one of its most ardent and active members and one of its most useful Deacons, an office which he held for many years, and his place in the church and in his community can never lie tilled. His wife also be- longed to thai church. jpp>ERDINAND BERNARD, dealer in lumber pHTM and farming imp iplements, of Brighton, es- tablished business in that place in May, 1*84, :is the successor of G. II. Aylworth. He car- ries all kinds of plain and dressed lumber and other building materials and also has a complete line of agricultural implements. He was born in Nassau, Germany, where his father, William Bernard, was also born and reared and spent his entire life as a teacher. He died in his native land when little past the prime of life. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Schmidt, was born and reared in Nassau, Germany, and in the city of her nativity at length passed away, after having survived her husband over twenty years. In their family were six children, four sons and two daughters. The subject of this sketch is the only one who ever crossed the water. He received liberal edu- cational advantages and under the direction of his ilBRARV Of THE J^-^. ffr^^* PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCOKD. 255 father and other noted musical professors, he ac- quired an excellent knowledge of that art. He de- termined to make America the scene of his career and embarked upon the steamer •■Herman," which sailed from Bremen to the harbor of New York. Mr. Bernard did not linger long in the East but came at once to the West. Here, however, he stopped at many of the principal cities and finally made a location iD St. Louis, where he was engaged as a teacher of instrumental music. His next place of residence was in Springfield, 111., where for seven years he was engaged as a German professor and also in leaching music. A marriage ceremony, performed in St. Louis, united the destinies of Mr Bernard and Miss Mar- garet Paltzer, who was born in Prussia, Germany, and while yet a young maiden, crossed the Atlantic with her parents. For some time the family made their home in New York City, removing thence to St. Louis, where the father, Jacob Paltzer, died of cholera, in 1365. At the time of his death he was engaged in business at that place. His wife sur- vived him man}' years, passing away in 1889, at the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Bernard re- ceived a liberal education and is a lady of intelli- gence and culture. The union of Mr. Bernard and his wife has been blessed with six children, all of them seem to have inherited musical taste and ability. In his business life Mr. Bernard is meeting with excellent success. R. JOHN A. DELANO. For years this gentleman, whose name appears on the opposite page and who is now deceased, was one of the prominent citizens and business men of Bunker Hill. He had an acquaintance which extended throughout the entire county, and the many friends whom he won will be pleased to see his sketch and portrait in the history of the county where he so long made his home. He was born in New Braintree, Mass., April 5, 1816, and was a son of Gideon and Betsy (Brimhall) Delano, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts and were descended from prominent old families of the Bay State. They began their domestic life upon a farm near New Braintree, where they resided until their children were grown when, wishing to furnish then 1 with belter educa- tional advantages, they removed to Amherst. After the emigration of the Doctor to Macoupin County they also came here and spent their last days, each dying at an advanced age. Our subject was graduated from Amherst Col- lege in the Class of '36, and among his schoolmates was numbered Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. After he had completed his literary education, to fit him- self for the profession which he had chosen as his life work, he entered the Medical College of Phila- delphia, Pa., from which he was graduated. Suon afterward he came West, believing that there was a better opening for an ambitious young man than in the older States of the East where every walk of life seemed crowded. He located in Bunker Hill in 1841, hung out his shingle and in a very short time had all the practice to which he could attend. His services were constantly in demand and his excellent practice yielded him a good income, but at length, owing somewhat to the long drives he was forced to take, he determined to abandon his profession and embarked in the drug business. In a very short time he was enjoying a fine trade and to secure more commodious quarters he built a splendid brick store store which continued to be his place of business until his death and is still known as "The Delano." It is now occupied by Harry R. Bndd, who also carries on a drug store. For many years this was the only drug-store in the place. In Bunker Hill the Doctor was united in mar- riage with Mrs. Ar.na W. (Williams) King, who was born in Dutchess County, N. Y.,and is a daughter of William P. and Asenath (Skiff) Williams. Her parents were natives of Massachusetts where they resided until after their marriage, when they re- moved to Dutchess County, N. Y. There they resided for many years, Mr. Williams dying within the borders of that county at the age of sixty. He had spent most of his active life as a teacher and was one of the popular and well-known educators 256 PORTRAIT AJSD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of tbe Empire Slate. After her husband's death Mrs. Williams came to Bunker Hill and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frances Carlisle, at the age of sixty-nine years. She was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. Into Dr. Delano and his wife were born three children, but Julia and .John both died in infancy. The only surviving member of the family is Annie who was educated in the schools of Bunker Hill, and was graduated from Monticello Seminary. She is a fine musician, an accomplished young lad}' and makes her home with her mother. Dr. Delano was of Huguenot descent and inher- ited all the virtues of the best type of the people that figured so prominently in a most momentous epoch in the history of civilization. He took a leading part in all that pertained to the upbuilding of the community and was a prominent worker for the social, educational and moral interests of the city. In 1852 he was elected Secretary and Treas- urer of the Cemetery Association, which position he held until his death, and he gave his most zealous efforts to the work in hand. To the Doctor more than anyone else, President J. II. Pettingill alone excepted, is due the admirable condition of this magnificent property and certainly he is entitled to the greatest credit for the erection of the soldier's monument which was erected in 186G and is the chief ornament of the cemetery. While he was endeavoring to secure this tribute to the memory of the honored soldiers he was, all uncouciously to himself, erecting a monument of love and grati- tude in the hearts of many. The cause of education ever found in him a warm friend and he was an active member of the Acad- emy Association, while to the building fund he was a liberal contributor. For many years he was clerk and trustee of the Congregational Church and contributed liberally of his means to its support but he held to no particular creed, endorsing the doctrines advocated by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. In politics he was a Republican and held several local offices, the duties of which he ever faithfully discharged. It was in the home circle that his true life shone out and L seemed that he could not do too much to enhance the happiness of his family aad promote their welfare. Near his place of business he built a fine residence which is still occupied by his widow and daughter. His death occurred April 14, 1887, and was sincerely mourned by many warm friends. :£liiliE=^- ENJAMIN F. CLARK, a member of the -i the firm of Clark & Deck, proprietors of an extensive mercantile establishment at Girard, devoted to the sale of drugs, books, stationery, groceries, hard and wooden ware, etc., has long been connected with the business interests of this county, and has contributed to its financial prosperity. He was born in Wayne County, 111., April 29, 182!), his father, the Hon. Benjamin A. Clark, being a pioneer of that section of the State and one of its prominent citizens during his life- time. The father of our subject was born near Lexing- ton, Ky., and was a son of James Clark, a native of Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, who came to this country during the Revolution, and casting in his lot with the Colonists, fought bravely with them for freedom from British rule. After the war was ended he resided for a time in Virginia, and then followed the tide of emigration to Kentucky, lie bought a tract of timber land near Lexington, aud settling down to the life of a pioneer in the forest wilds, he lived there many years. He came from there to Illinois in territorial days, locating in the wilderness in Wayne County, in 1817, being one of the earliest pioneers in that section. He bought timber land, on which he erected a log house, and at once entered upon the hard task of clearing a farm. He continued to reside in the southern part of that county some years, and then sold and moved to the northern part of it, where he made his home until he closed his eyes in death. Tbe maiden name of his wife was Mary Jones. She was born either in Wales or in America of Welsh parentage. She died on the home farm in Wayne County. Both were stanch Presbyterians in their religious belief. The father of our subject was a young man when he came to Illinois with his parents, lie had been PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 257 reared to agricultural pursuits, and at the time of bis marriage lie located on a farm in the eastern part of Wayne County. A few years later lie re- moved to the northern part of the county and en- tered forty acres of Government land. He built a primitive log house, riving shingles by hand to cover the roof, and making the chimney of sticks and clay. His wife cooked by the open fireplace for many years, and her deft hands carded, spun and wove all the cloth of which she made garments for her children. Mr. Clark was much prospered in bis calling, invested in other land adjoining his original purchase and in time improved a valuable farm, that remained his home until his death. He was a man of more than ordinary force of char- acter and intellect, and was very influential among bis fellow-citizens, who often called him to fill re- sponsible offices. He was at one time Sheriff of Wayne County, and he also represented his dis- trict as a member of the State Legislature. It was while attending a session of that honorable body at Yandalia, in 1838, that his useful career was closed by bis untimely death. He was a devoutly relig- ious man; one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and services were held at bis house. He was a Class-Leader in the church. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Mary G. Witters, was a native of West Tennessee. Her father, Peter Witters, was a pio- neer of that section of the country, and later of Illinois, where he settled in White County, and there spent his remaining years. The maiden name of his wife was Hannah Green. She was born in North Carolina and died in White County, this State. The mother of our subject was a Pres- byterian in her religious faith. She died on the home farm in Wayne County in 1851, leaving four children — Joseph, Peter, Benjamin F., and Mel- vina. He of whom this biography is written was reared in his native county. There were no free schools in his youth, each family having to pay according to the number of children sent to school. The country roundabout his early home was sparsely settled and not greatly improved from its primi- tive condition. There were no railways for many years, and St. Louis, one hundred and ten miles away, was the principal market. Our subject continued to reside with his mother until her death, and lie then spent six months in Iowa. Returning to Wayne County, he taught the first free school in that section, receiving £27 a month for a session of three months. He then turned his attention to the study of medicine in the ollircs of Drs. Greene and Barrickman, near Jef- fersonville, and subsequently began to practice in Wayne County. A short time after that he re- linquished that calling, and July 1, 1857, came to Macoupin County to establish a drug store in Scottville, which be managed until 18G5. May 5, of that year he came to Girard to engage in busi- ness, and has ever since been a valued resident of this city. In March, 1884, L. C. Deck became as- sociated with him in the business under the firm name of Clark & Deck. They have one of the best equipped and best slocked establishments in the city, and carry a full line of drugs, groceries, books, hardware, etc. Mr. Clark has been three times married. His first marriage, which took place in January, 1854, was with Miss Mary Frances Maston, a native of Marietta, Ohio. Their wedded life was very brief, as she died in the fall of the same year. Our subject was married a second time May 10, 185'J, Miss Mary A. Butcher becoming bis wife. She was a native of Greene County, III., and a daugh- ter of Eli J. and Vienna Butcher. She departed this life February 20, 1878, leaving four children — Edwin Verner, Mabel, Frank Leslie, and Grace. Mr. Clark was married to Mrs. Kate (Garst) Sberfy March 24, 1883. Mrs. Clark is a native of Ten- nessee, and a daughter of Jacob and Frances Garst. Her marriage with our subject has been blessed with one child, whom they have named Ethel. For more than a quarter of a century, Mr. Clark has been intimately associated with the growth and welfare of Girard as one of its most intelligent business men and public-spirited citizens, and he has ever sought to elevate its moral, social and re- ligious status. He has taken part in its public life as a member of the City Council and of the City School Board. He was for many years a Demo- crat in politics, but of late he has used his influ- ence in favor of the Prohibition party. He and 258 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his wife are members of tlie Christian Church, and are active; in its every good work. He has an ex- tensive acquaintance in this county, of which lie has been a resident for so many years, and is well- known as a thoroughly honorable business man, whose integrity is beyond question, as is his repu- tation in all the relations of life. ®|j|LEX McCURDY, an enterprising farmer '@EJ i and stock-raiser of Hilyard Township, re- ifj IMi siding on section 30, claims New Jersey qJ as the State of his nativity. He first opened his eyes to the light of day in Atlantic County in 1814. The family is of Irish origin. The grandfather of our subject, John McCurdy, Sr., was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, where ivhere he grew to manhood and was married. Later lie came to America, having his wife and children in the old country and during the Revo- lutionary "War fought under Gen. Washington. For his services he received a land warrant and then returned to the Emerald Isle for his family with the intention of establishing a home in the United States, but died very suddenly in his na- tive land. Afterward the three older children, including John, father of our subject, who served in the War of 1812-14, and was born in County Antrim and was then twelve years of age, came to America, leaving the widowed mother and younger children in Ireland, where Mrs. McCurdy died at the advanced age of one hundred and five years. The three sons who came to this country did not improve the land as it was their intention of doing when they left home, but sold the war- rant and removed to different parts of the coun- try to engage in business best suited to their tastes. The father of our subject attained to his majority in New Jersey, and there engaged in working iron ore. He married Miss Elizabeth Wentling, who was born and reared in that State. They began their domestic life in New Jersey, where the husband died at the age of sixty-four years, after which his widow removed to Penn- sylvania, and died at the home of her son Nich- olas on the Schuylkill River, about thirteen miles from Philadelphia. This was in 1855, and she was at that time eighty four years of age. In religious belief she was a Methodist and Mr. Mc- Curdy was a member of the Presbyterian Church! Their family numbered eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, of whom only four sons are now living. Our subject was only a child when his parents removed from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. He may truly be called a self-made man, for before he was twelve years of age he began life for himself, being the employed in the iron works, where he continued to labor for thirty-seven years. At first he worked as a mokler, but his ability won him promotion, and during the last ten years of his residence in Pennsylvania he was employed as foreman of six furnaces owned by David Thomas, "the Iron King." He was thus able to command an excellent salary, and with the money acquired he purchased land in Illinois. He first came to this State in 1801, and bought one bundled and twenty acres of land in Jersey County, where he made his home until 1868, when in the spring of that year he purchased his present farm, compris- ing the northern half of three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 36, Hilyard Township. Every acre is under cultivation, the eye resting uiion no spot of unimproved land. In Atlantic County, N. J., at May's Landing, Mr. McCurdy led to the marriage altar Miss Chris- tina McCauley, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1818, and is a daughter of Henry and Sarah (McCurdy) McCauley, who were also na- tives of County Antrim, where they were married and lived until after the birth of all their children. About 1828, with their family, they came to Amer- ica, settling in Atlantic County, N. J., when the city of Camden was a small hamlet. Some years later they removed to Pennsylvania, locating at the head of the Juniata River, where the remain- der of their lives were passed. The father was a i member of the Catholic Church and his wife a Presbyterian. Mrs. McCurdy is the only surviving member of their family of twelve children. She was quite young when she crossed *he Atlantic to America I PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 250 :uiil in New Jersey she grew to womanhood. Ten children have been born unto our subject and his worthy wife, but six are now deceased. Catherine died at the age of twenty-one years; John died in childhood; John, the" second of that name, who died at the age of two years; Mary, who died at the age of Gfteen months; one who died in infancy; and Elizabeth, who became the wife of Nathaniel Pinkard, who is now living in Williamstown, Ky. Unto them two children were born, one of whom survives the mother — Joseph A., who since his childhood has been reared by his grandparents and was educated in Bunker Hill Academy. Those who still survive are: Joseph M., who wedded Melissa Deck and is engaged in farming in Hilyard Township; Sarah, widow of John Stemple, a popular railroad conductor of Pennsylvania, who was killed in an accident; Me- lissa anil Jane at home. In politics Mr. McCurdy was an old-line Whig until the rise of the Republican party, which he has since supported. He belongs to the Pres- byterian Church and his wife is a member of the same church. During the twenty-two years of their residence in Macoupin County they have won many friends and have gained the respect and esteem of all with whom they have come in contact. *% s 'tt* J cV •-*— %-^ OX. SAMUEL S. GILBERT, of Carlinville, lias occupied a prominent position among the leading lawyers of this county for many years. He is a native of Massachu- setts, the old seaport town of Gloucester, on Cape Ann, in Essex County, being the place of his birth, and January 28. 1827, the date thereof. He is a descendant of old Colonial families that settled in the old B.13' Stale in the early years of its settle- ment. Jonathan Gilbert, the father of our subject, was born in Gloucester, and was a son of Jonathan Gil- bert, who was also a native of the same town, and was in turn the son of another Jonathan Gilbert, who was also a native of that place, as was his father, who likewise bore the name of Jonathan, and was of Gloucester birth. The father of the latter, John Gilbert, was born in England or in Massachusetts of English parents. He removed from Wenham to Gloucester in 1704, and spent the rest of his days there. Jonathan Gilbert, Sr., and his son Jonathan were both farmers, and were life-long residents of Gloucester, their farm lying in the locality now known as Magnolia, where now many wealthy people have beautiful sea-side homes. The grandfather of our subject also was a farmer and spent his whole life in his native Gloucester. The father of our subject commenced life as a sailor when quite young, and followed the sea for upwards of twenty years, the most of the time in the merchant service, and became master of a ves- sel. In 1834 he retired from a seafaring life, and journeying far into the interior of the country, came to Illinois and spent the winter in this State. He was favorably impressed with the country, and returning to Massachusetts for his family came back here to locate the same spring. He and his family started from Gloucester in a sail vessel bound for Philadelphia. While trying to double Cape Cod a storm was encountered and the vessel was obliged to put back to Gloucester for repairs. After a few days the father with our subject and younger brother started again for Philadelphia in the same vessel, while the others took passage in another ship for Boston, whence they went by rail to Providence, and thence by water to Philadelphia, where the farui^- was re-united. They then went by rail to Johnstown, Pa., which was at that time the western terminus of the railway; from there by canal to Pittsburg, where they embarked on a steamer and voyaged on the waters of the Ohio and Mississippi to Alton, this State, which they found to be a small but very lively town, as it was the market and depot of supplies for the surround- ing country for many miles around. Soon after his arrival in Illinois Mr. Gilbert bought a tract of timber land four miles from Al- ton, and there being no house upon it he moved into a dwelling of his brother-in-law near by, and resided in it for some time. He next bought twenty acres of land on the Carrolton road, upon which he erected a hewed log house, in which he lived until 1837. Then disposing of that place he 260 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. went to Griggsville, in Pike County, and was a pioneer there. He bought village property and was a resident of that place until 1839, when he rented a farm one and one-fourth miles west of Griggsville. In 1842 he bought a tract of land three miles northwest of Griggsville. He built a comfortable residence on that land, and dwelt there until 1845. Returning to the village he stayed there one year, and then, in 1816, went back to his old home in Massachusetts, taking all his family with him, except his two sons, George and Samuel. In 1853 Mr. Gilbert left Gloucester to again take up his residence in this State. He bought a lot on the west side of the square in Carlinville, and erected a commodious building a store and dwell- ing, his death occurring here in February, 18G9. An honored pioneer and respected citizen thus passed to eternal rest, leaving behind him a good name and an untarnished life record. His worthy wife did not long survive him, but died the fol- lowing April in the home of our subject. She was also a native of Gloucester, and bore the maiden name of Mary Sayward. She was the mother of four children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The following is recorded of the others: George died at Carlinville, .May 2. 1877; Fitz William died at Belfast, Me., April 10, 1881); John resides at Murfreesboro, Tenn. The maternal grandfather of our subject. Capt. John Sayward, was born in Gloucester. Mass.. and was a son of Samuel and Susanna (Lord ) Say- ward, and was a descendant of Henry Sayward a native of England, who came to America in 1G37 and settled near Northampton, N. II. John Say- ward w;:s captain of a vessel in the merchant ma- rine service, and spent his last years in Gloucester. He married Abigail Coos, who was a native of that town. Her grandfather, William Coos, great- great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of England, and he came to this country in early Colonial times. He died at Gloucester in 1773. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Gardner. The great-grandfather of our subject, Mr. Coos, was a seafaring man, and commanded a privateer in the Revolutionary War. His first cruise was very successful, but the second was fatal to him, as his ship, "The Stark," was captured by the En- glish. He was taken in irons to Halifax, and after a short confinement in that city was placed on board a ship bound for Boston. The first night out a fearful storm raged and the vessel and its crew were never heard from afterward. The first eight years of the life of our subject were passed in the seaport town of his birth, and since then he has lived in this State, and he retains a vivid recollection of pioneer days in the western wilds of Illinois. He was naturally of a thought- ful, studious disposition, and made the best of his opportunities to secure a liberal education. His first knowledge of books apart from what he had learned at home was gained in the pioneer schools of early times that were taught in log houses, and provided with rude home made furniture. He lived with his parents until he was fourteen years old, and then went to Griggsville to attend school, and was also engaged there as clerk until the fall of 1843, when he went to Alton and entered Shurtleff College, where be pursued a fine course of study the ensuing four years, remaining there until 1847. In June of that year he commenced teaching at Upper Alton, and taught until the spring of 1848. Like many another man he made that profession a stepping stone to the bar, entering the office of the Hon. John A. Chestnut when he left off teaching to prepare himself for his new voca- tion. He was admitted to the bar in 1850. and formed a partnership with his preceptor, continu- ing with him until the retirement of the latter three years later. After that he was in partnership with Thomas Jayne for a time, and subsequently was with Gen. Rinaker from 1858 until the General entered the army, since which time he has been alone. Mr. Gilbert and Miss Frances McClure were united in marriage August 12, 1851. Mrs. Gilbert was a daughter of James and Frances McClure, and was born in Nicholasville, Jessamine County, Ky. She departed this life November 9, 1888, after a happy wedded life of thirty-seven years, leaving behind her a pleasant memory of one who filled in a perfect measure the sacred offices of wife, mother and friend. Our subject has three children, Edward A.. Charles F. and William W. Edward is an attorney at York, Neb., and was a mem- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 261 ber of the State Legislature in L888. Charles is an attorney in Kansas City, Mo. William is a resident of St. Louis. Through years of constant devotion to his professional duties Mr. Gilbert has attained an honorable position among the legal luminaries of this State, and is known for his thorough knowl- edge of the law as applied to all cases that come nniler his practice. He has been called to re- sponsible legal offices, and has filled them with dignity and ability. In 1852 he was elected County Judge, and he subsequently served two terms as Master in Chancery. In 1874 be was elected a member of Ihe State Legislature. His social relations are with Mt. Nebo Lodge No. 76, A. F. St A. M. He cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Cass in 1848, and remained with the Democrats until 1864, when be gave his support to Lincoln for the presidency. In 18G8 he used his influence for Gen. Grant, and in 1872 was a warm advocate for Greeley. After that he returned to his early love, and has ever since adhered to the Democratic party. M ALCOLM M. ANDERSON, who is now living retired in the city of Carlinville, is one of the most extensive landholders in the county ,and has taken a leading part in its agricultural development. His birth took place in Christian County, Ky., December 24, 1830, and he is a son of Col. James Anderson, a Virginian, who whs a prominent pioneer of this section of the Slate in the early years of its settlement. The paternal grandfather of our subject emi- grated to this country in Colonial times and resided for a while in Virginia before his removal to Ken- tucky, where be became a pioneer of Bourbon County. He entered a thousand acres of Govern- ment land there, but suffered reverses and lost all his property before his death, which occurred in that county. Col. Anderson was quite young when his father took him from his Virginia birthplace to the pio- neer home in Kentucky. At the age of thirteen he left the parental roof and after that time made bis own way in the world, as he was perfectly able to do, for he was well endowed with physical and mental vigor. He learned the trade of a hatter but did not follow it long as his tastes led him to farming, and he settled on a farm in Christian County, Ky. He met with fair success in his new venture, but unfortunately, by endorsing notes for friends, he lost all his property, and in 1834 came to Illinois to seek a new location. lie visited Macoupin County in the month of June and entered a tract of Government land on section 11, Carlinville Township, and then went back to Ken- tucky for his family. On the 12th of the follow- ing October, with his wife and their six children, he started for their new home, and journeyed hither with a pair of oxen, a wagon and two horses and a carriage, arriving at his destination in twelve days' time. The Colonel rented a log bouse in which the family lived during the winter and in the mean- time he built a log house on his own land, riving boards for the roof and splitting puncheon for the floor. In the spring of 1835 he and his family removed to their new borne and he commenced to improve his land. He also became an extensive trader in live stock, driving cattle to St. Louis, and in 1846 and again in 1847 took a drove to Wisconsin, taking three hundred and fifty head each time. In 1851 an attack of cholera ended his useful career and this county lost one of its most useful citizens. His wife also died of cholera thirteen days after his death. Her maiden name was Ann Rice Harris and Virginia was her native State. She reared a family of seven children, named as follows: Crittenden II. C, Maria C, Erasmus S., Augustus E., Malcolm M., Henry C. and Mary A. Malcolm M. Anderson, of whom this biography is principally written, was in his fourth year when he came with his parents to this county, and he remembers well the incidents of pioneer life under which be was reared. His mother used to do her cooking by the fireplace and the children were clothed in cloth the product of her spinning wheel and loom. Our subject took every advantage to secure an education and early attended a pioneer 262 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. school that was taught in a primitive log house with aii earth and slick chimney, the furniture being rudely fashioned by hand, the seats made by splitting logs and inserting wooden pins for sup- port, and for a desk a plank was laid on wooden pins that were inserted in holes bored in the wall of the building. On one side of the house a log was sawed out and a row of glass put into the aperture find thus made to serve for windows. In those early days game was plentiful, and deer, wolves and other wild animals were often seen roaming over the prairies. Mr. Anderson made his home with his parents until their death, then settled on a farm on the northeast quarter of section 12, Carlinville Town- ship, and commenced housekeeping in a log house. Two years later he sold that place and bought the south half of section 11, locating there in 1854, and made that his home until 1880, when he bought the resilience he now occupies on North Broad Street, Carlinville. Here he and his estimable wife live very pleasantly surrounded by all the comforts of life, and have the satisfaction of knowing that their prosperity is due to their united labors, directed by wise economy, foresight and sound judgment. Mr. Anderson has been more than ordinarily successful as a farmer and now has in his possession fifteen hundred acres of valuable land, one hundred and sixty of which is located in South Otter Township and the remainder in Carlinville Township. The marriage of Mr. Anderson to Miss Malvina Ann Moore was celebrated February 11, 1851. Mrs. Anderson was born April 16, 1833, in Carlin- ville Township, and is a daughter of one of its first settlers, Thomas G. Moore. It is thought that he was a native of Simpson County, Ky., and in 1831 came to this county and entered Government land on section 24, Carlinville Township. He erected a log house to shelter his family and in that hum- ble dwelling Mrs. Anderson was born. He con- tinued to live on his homestead until death called him hence in 1844. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sylvia W. Sublet, was a native of Vir- ginia. She died at Shaw's Point Township a few years after he did. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been blessed with five children, as follows: James T., who married Ann Goodpasture, resides in South Otter Town- ship; Laura A. is the wife of J. S. Thomason, of Montgomery County; Melissa is the wife of John A. Fullington, of Carlinville Township, and John B., also a resident of Carlinville Township, who married Mary 'Purvey, and Malcom M., a resident of Carlinville, who married Laura Rue. \f/ ULITS BEHME, Ju. The gentleman whoi s the original of this sketch owns a good farm located on section 21, Nilwood Township He is of German parentage and birth and now is in the meridian of life, having been born April 2, 1840, in Brunswick, Germany. The early years of his life were spent in his native place where he received the drill in technical as well as mental education that is an indispensable adjunct in Ger- man school life. When fifteen years of age he em- igrated with his parents to America. I lis father was Julius Behme, and his mother Anna (Doretlie) Behme. They were both natives of Germany and came thence to this country in 1855. The Behme family first settled in Ogle County, and from there went to St. Louis, and thence to this county, where they settled in Clyde and lived there for two years. There the mother was called away from a life of toil to a better land. The family afterward lived for one year in Polk Township, and then located in Brushy Mound Township, where they have since made their home. They had two children, William and Julius. Our subject. Julius Behme, lived at home until his marriage when he instituted a home and hearth for himself in Brushy Mound Township. He re- mained there for two years and then came to Nil- wood Township, where he purchased one hundred acres of land. Here he has since resided having built himself a pleasant home. Mr. Bebme was married in Carlinville, June 23, 1868 to Miss Sophia Blothe, who was a daughter of Conrad H. and Sophia (Brummer) Blothe, both natives of Hanover, Germany. The mother's de- cease took place in her native land before her bus- LIBRARY Of THE UNIVE -*..'-' : " -:- ytA^c^ ; Z^UIj&^s / PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 265 band and family emigrated to America. Their settlement in this country was made in 1866, the father died in Nilwoorl Township, leaving two chil- dren, Sophia, now Mrs. Behme, and Henry. Mrs. Behme, like her parents, is a native of Hanover, Germany, being there born December 13, 1849. She and her husband are the parents of seven chil- dren. They are: Lena W., who was married Feb- ruary 22, 1891, to George Klaus of Nilwood Town- ship, Emma B., Julia M., Anna S., Katie, George J. and Albert F. Our subject has made many improvements on his farm and he now owns one hundred and forty acres. His attention is exclusively engaged in I he care of his farm and stock-raising. Mr. Behme is a Republican in his political preference, and he and his wife and family are attendants of the German Lutheran Church. Like most of his countrymen who are engaged in the agricultural pursuits in this country, Mr. Behme has brought an energy and vim to bear upon his business that has insured him a success in the line that he had adopted. /^OBUS J. KEISER. The name which our (if^^ subject bears is inseparably connected with ^^^/ the history of the thriving town of Mt. Olive in which he makes his home. Indeed, no one has done so much for the place as he, for every enterprise of any importance that has served to aid in the upbuilding of the community has found in him a supporter. We therefore with pleasure present this sketch to our readers, as well as the lithographic portrait on the opposite page. Mr. Keiser was born in Hanover, German}', Sep- tember 4, 1811, and comes of a good family, the members of which are characterized by temperate, industrious and enterprising habits. His father, John J. Keiser, and las mother, whose maiden name was Geske Heien, were born, reared and mar- ried in Hanover, where their children were also born. In 1854, with their family they sailed for America from Bremen, and on landing in New Or- leans, proceeded up the Mississippi to Alton, spend- ing the succeeding winter in Madison County, 111. In the spring of 1855, they settled on section 14, Mt. Olive Township, the one hundred and twenty acre farm being then in its primitive condition. The father died soon afterward, on the 6th of Sep- tember. He was a noble man, and died in the faith of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. His widow, who long survived him, was a lady of many marked characteristics. She possessed excel- lent executive ability, and managed to keep her children together, provide them with good educa- tions, and lived to see them all prosperous in life. She died at the home of her daughter Anna in 1889, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years. She. too, was a member of the Lutheran Church. The subject of this sketch, after acquiring a good education in the public schools and the State University, entered upon his business career. We feel safe in saying that none other has done so much to make Mt. Olive one of the busiest commercial points in this part of the Slate. By so doing he has not only secured a fortune, but has become one of the most prominent men of the county. Since 18C6 Mt. Olive has grown to its present propor- tions. In that year, Mr. Keiser with his father-in- law, J. C. Nieman, established a small mercantile house, and the next spring embarked in general merchandising. That was the beginning of the business which has grown and developed until it occupies several of the largest store rooms of the place, and represents every branch of merchandise known, except drugs and lumber. Their business houses are model structures, and the stock of goods contained therein, whatever it be, is com- plete. When the Wabash Railroad was buili through Mt. Olive, in 1870, Mr. Keiser assumed control of all of the business at this point, and was thus con- nected with the road until 1877, when more im- portant and pressing business interests caused him to resign. He gave a decided impetus to the growth of the town by opening up a coal mine and organ- izing the Mt. Olive Coal Company. He became one of the most extensive stockholders, and was made Superintendent and active Business Man- ager, continuing as such for some years. A shaft was sunk four hundred feet to a rich vein of coal, 266 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. seven feet thick and of superior quality. The out- put was about sixty carloads per day, and a second shaft was completed in 1879, but after some years, owing to a delinquency and a lack of energy on a part of some of the stockholders, the business was transferred to the hands of the Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis, which has realized a hand- some profit therefrom. However, the transfer was made much against the will of Mr. Keiser. Seeing the need of a flourmill, and anxious to aid in the upbuilding of industries, in 1876, Mr. Kei- ser and Henry Prange erected the large Anchor Mills, which have proved of such value to the city. After some years of successful operation, the firm title was changed in 1881 to Keiser Bros., Andrew •I. Keiser succeeding Mr. Prange. The mill under- went a radical and important change in 1887, and is now supplied with all the modern and best mill- ing machinery. The capacity is about two hun- dred barrels per day, and is run to nearly its full extent. The shipments are both foreign and do- mestic, and the leading brands of flour which they manufacture are the "Patent Loaf" and -'Triumph.'' To the mill is attached an elevator with a capacity of twenty-five thousand bushels, and the firm also does considerable grain-buying at Warden and Gib- son City, HI. The increase of business connected with the mer- cantile firm of Keiser, Niemeyer & Co., awoke the owners to their need of a bank, and in 1882 C. J. Keiser established and located the bank in his large brick building, at the corner of Main and Poplar streets. It is a private hank and is supplied with all the appliances and appointments for doing a gen- eral banking business, including a fine vault and burglar-proof lock-safe for the accommodation and safety of their depositors. Mr. Keiser is President and General Manager, with Theo. Koch, Cashier, a model young man. Mr. Keiser has also been instru- mental in securing excellent railroad facilities to Mt. Olive. He was the prime mover in building the branch of the Peoria & St. Louis Railroad, from Mt. Olive to Alhambra, 111., where it connects with the Clover Leaf, running into St. Louis. In this undertaking it was necessary to make large expen- ditures of money and time, and the successful com- pletion indicates the business ability and energy which has marked the career of Mr. Keiser through life. Again, when the Jackson & Southeastern Road decided to run a branch through Mt. Olive, the com- pany found Mr. Keiser at the front with his money, all eagerness to assist. He gave valuable lots for depot purposes, and in other ways aided in the es- tablisment of the road. In every good cause Mr. Keiser is equally liberal, and when the magnificent German Lutheran Church was built — the finest edifice of the kind in the city, and one of the largest in the county — he gave the beautiful lots on which it is located, together with #3,000 for the building. He also gave to the city the lot on which the City Hall and Public Library are located. After having marked out his business career, Mr. Keiser, on the 9th of November, 1866, led to the marriage altar Miss Mary C. Nieman, the accomplished daughter of John C. Nieman, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. She was born January 21, 184 8, and until her marriage lived with her father and stepmother, for she had lost her own mother when young. She has been a true helpmate to her husband, taking a deep interest in all his business, and aiding him by her words of encouragement and sympathy. Unto them were born several children, of whom the following sur- vive: Paulina, Amanda, Adolph, Edward and Bertha. Mrs. Keiser adheres closely to the Lu- theran faith, and is a true Christian woman. She neglects no opportunity for doing good, and in so- cial circles is a leader. When doing so much for public interests, Mr. Keiser did not neglect his fam- ily. He has been ever watchful for thei" welfare and happiness, and provided for them a palatial residence, which is built of brick in the latest style of architecture, and is complete in all its appoint- ments. It possesses every feature for comfort and enjoyment, is heated by furnace and supplied with hot and cold water, is beautifully and tastefully fur- nished and adorned with many works of art, which indicates a cultured and refined taste. In local political circles, Mr. Keiser is also a a leader. He was for seventeen years Postmaster of Mt. Olive, has been President of the Town Board for six years in succession, from 1877 to 1883, and elected again in 1891. When the new PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 2G7 township was formed out of the north half of Staunton Township, he was elected its first Super- visor in 1883, and held that oltiee until 1891, dur- ing which time he did much toward reducing the enormous courthouse debt by securing a large re- duction of interest that was being paid. As before intimated, he is a Lutheran in religious belief, and for a long while he has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school. lie is also an officer of the church and one of its most active workers. His frank, open countenance bespeaks a life above reproach, and his friends are found not only in Illinois, but in adjoining States as well. Although his life lias been a busy one, his lime is never so occupied that he cannot greet his acquaintances with a gentle- manly courtesy, and the poor as well as the rich, if their lives are deserving, receive his kindly recognition. His fortune has been acquired in the legitimate channels of business, and his posses- sions he has generously shared with those in need of aid. «fi IjfelLLIAM HALLIDAY. A whole-souled \/\j/l °l ,en - |ie:U ' u ' 1 ' »ati ve ., Ro- zella, James E., Magnolia, Luru E. and Ralph Emerson. The life of our subject has always been guided by the highest principles of right and honor, and the power of honesty and unswerving integrity is shown by the implicit confidence in which he is held by all, and by the various positions of trust that his fellow-citizens, in just recognition of his great worth and his capacity for affairs, have often called upon him to hold, lie has a strong, well- balanced mind, is a wise and safe counselor, and has a just appreciation of the best business methods, all of which make him a man of weight in the public life of township and county, and he is one of our best-known civic officers. He keeps well informed on all topics of general interest, and es- pecially in regard to politics, using his influence in favor of the Democratic party. He has served three years as Assessor, three years as Highway Commissioner, a like number of years as Collector, and several years as a member of the District School Board. Mr. Dugger was elected Supervisor from Scotts- ville Township in 1885, and has been re-elected each year since without opposition. As a member of that Board he has been on various committees, was at one time Chairman of the Board and of the Judiciary Committee, and is now Chairman of the Committee on Abatement and Assessment. He is identified with the Union Alliance, No. 74, is Presi- dent of the County Alliance, and was delegate from Macoupin County to the State Alliance at Spring- field and is now elected a Delegate to the State convention at Springfield. Both our subject and his wife are people of true religious convictions, and are members in high standing of the Baptist Church. — *&&%• — - ffiOHN WESLEY DUNCAN. This gentle- man is engaged in the lumber business in Palmyra and also handles lime, coal, hair, cement and grain. He devotes himself closely to his business and is doing well in that line in which he decided to embark a few years since. He is associated in business with his brother, Joseph B., and the lumber yard they now own was purchased by them in the fall of 1888. Mr. Duncan is quite a young man, having been born October 26, 1865, but he is showing the qualities of which the good business man is made, and carry- ing on his work according to the truest principles, remembering that even in matters of trade, honesty is a duty as well as good policy. James Duncan, paternal grandfather of our sub- ject, is thought to have been born in Virginia. For many years his home was in Washington Coun- ty, Tenn., and there his son James was born and reared. The latter began his lifework as a school- teacher, but having been reared to agricultural pursuits he abandoned the profession after he had taught several terms and took up farming. He had come to this county and his first term of school was at Simpson Hill in South Palmyra Township. He began his farm work near Girard, but after a time removed to the village and for two years was occupied in the grain trade. He then bought land in South Palmyra Township and resumed farming, giving it his entire attention un- til 1881, when he took up the lumber business, al- though ho still occupied his farm. He died there in 1888. He left a widow and three children, John 278 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Wesley, Joseph B. and James T. The widow still occupies the homestead. She bore the maiden name of Abigail Proftitt. She was born in Wash- ington County, Tenn., and is a daughter of Daniel and Sarah Prottitt, pioneers of this county. Grand- father Duncan came hither after the death of his wife and spent his last days with his son James, dying about 1863. The birthplace of our subject was the village of Girard, but he was reared on the farm. After tak- ing the course of study in the public school he spent a year in Shurtleff College in Upper Alton. He made his home with his parents until his mar- riage, then located in the village of Nilwood, but still gave his attention to farming. He lived there two years, then moved to Palmyra and entered upon the work he is now pursuing. He was mar- ried in 1888 to Miss Fannie B. Thacker, who was born in Nilwood Township and is a daughter of Zachary and Nancy Thacker, a biographical sketch of whom appears on another page of this Record. Husband and wife belong to the Baptist Church, of which Mr. Duncan's mother is also a member and his father for many years was a Deacon. Our subject and wife have one daughter living, Bertit F. Mr. Duncan votes the Republican ticket. He is connected with the Palmyra Building WN. Among the most prosper- ous and thrifty fanners of Bird Township, we may count a number who are of English birth or parentage, and who had learned farming in a most thorough and systematic manner in the old country. An English farmer is seldom careless and unsystematic in his plan of work. He has learned to economize space and to let nothing lie about at loose ends. These methods of work transferred to the broad and fertile prairies of the West make the best of farmers. Among these British-Americana we may name Henry J. Bown, who resides on section 12. The parents of our subject were Samuel and Jemima (Barnstable) Bown, who were natives of Somersetshire, England, where they were reared, married, lived and died. Mr. Bown was a farmer by occupation and trained his children in the prac- tical work of agriculture. This worthy couple were the parents of thirteen children of whom Henry is the youngest. His birth took place in Somersetshire, England July 15, 1800. He had reached the age of thirteen years when he left home and went to London, England, to make his home for five years with his eldest brother, Samuel. Here he engaged in peddling milk. In the fall of 1878 he came to America, making an end to his long journey by settling in Macoupin County. When this young man first arrived in Illinois he lived for two years in Polk Township, and after this was employed by the late Charles Morris of Carlinville Township for three years on his farm. He then worked for Samuel E. Killam for two years and for Mr. Denby about a year and a half. His happy marriage January 5, 1887, with Miss Sarah Morris, presaged a period of prosperity and was the beginning of a life of true domestic happiness. The lady who now became Mrs. Bown is a daugh- ter of the late Charles Morris, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this book. She was born in Carlinville Township April 2, 1865. Two children have blessed this home. They are named Minnie B. and Charles S. Mr. Bown has a splendid farm of two hundred and thirty acres. It is in excellent condition and thoroughly cultivated. He has erected upon it a convenient and pleasant home and an excellent set of farm buildings. He makes a specialty of fine graded stock and gives to them kind and judicious care. In politics he is Republican but is not an otiice-seeker, but takes an intelligent interest, not only in local affairs, but in county, State and na- tional elections. He is a wide-awake, progressive farmer and well merits the esteem and confidence which is shown him by his neighbors. Si! EVIN N. ENGLISH. Few residents of Shaw's Point Township have so strong a •laim on the consideration of the readers of this volume as Mr. English. He has borne an honorable part in the public affairs of the county, and has successfully prosecuted a farmer's career. In noting the present prosperity of Macoupin County, it is well to remember that it was once a great tract of undeveloped land and that those who brought it to its present condition underwent much toil and in many cases suffered privations unknown to men of the present day. The subject of this biographical sketch, who came to this county in his youth, has aided in the development of his community, and has in the meantime gath- ered around him many of the comforts and con- veniences which belong to modern farm life. Of a generous and hospitable nature, he holds a high place in the esteem of his neighbors. Many years ago the ceremony was performed which united in marriage Thomas English, a native of Maryland, and Ally Cooper, a native of Ken- tucky. They located in what was then Greene PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 2X7 County, but now a part of Jersey County, III., which was their home until death. Twelve chil- dren were horn to them, of whom our subject was the eleventh in order of birth. On September 21, 1830, he was born in Greene County, and there passed his childhood amid pioneer scenes. At an early age he gained a thorough practical knowledge of agriculture in all its departments and to this labor he determined to devote himself when he was ready to take up the work of life. His parents dying when he was quite young, the orphaned lad cp.me to Macoupin County and made his home with a sister, Mrs Eleanor Fullington. In Shaw's Point Township, Mr. English grew to man's estate. At the age of twenty-two he re- moved to Missouri, where, however, he sojourned only a short time, returning to this township and renting the farm he now owns on section 35. Af- ter following farming pursuits here five years he removed to an adjoining farm, which he purchased and improved. He has engaged principally in general farming although devoting some atten- tion to stock-raising, in which he has met with more than ordinary success. His chief interest centers in his estate, but he holds exalted ideas of the duties and privileges of citizenship and never misses an opportunity to advocate by ballot and influence those principles he believes to be for the best progress of the country. In him the Demo- cratic party finds a stanch adherent rnd one who takes an active part in political affairs. He has served his fellow-citizens in various capacities, holding the office of Supervisor one term, also serving as Constable and Highway Commissioner. The lady who presides with grace over the home of Mr. English, was formerly known as Miss Mary West, and is the daughter of Edward and Eliza beth (FoxWell) West, natives of North Carolina and Virginia. They were early settlers in Jersey County, III., where the mother died. The father spent his last days with his daughter, Mrs. English, and there he died at a good old age. Mrs. English who was the fourth in a family of five children, was born in St. Clair County, III., April 5, 1835, and was there married November 2, 1854. Mr. English and his estimable wife are the parents of five children: Robert W., who married Miss Edna L. Johnson; Levin N., Jr.; Ella L., the wife of Harvey Allen; Alary V., and John N. Mrs. Eng- lish is a consistent member of the Baptist Church and an active worker in that organization. So- cially, Mr. English is identified with the Masonic fraternity. — -^m- — |(^S;R. MAHYEL THOMAS, one of the lead- ing young physicians of this county, now (Qklr successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Gillespie, was born near Plainview, in Hilyard Township, on the 8th of October, 1855, and comes of good old Revo- lutionary stock. The great-grandfather of our sub- ject, John Thomas, was one of five brothers who enlisted in the Revolutionary War, but during that struggle they became separated, and the family has since been divided; in fact, they have few known relations. John David Thomas, the grandfather of the Doctor, was born in South Carolina, and af- ter marrying a lady of that State, began life upon a farm. Some years later he emigrated Westward with his family and settled in St. Clair Count}-, 111. as did also his father, who was Secretary of the Territory, and after the admission of Illinois to the Union, became the first Secretary of State. He died at an advanced age, a man of prominence and influence, whose loss was mourned by many friends. His name is inseparably connected with the early history of the Stale, for he did much in the inter- ests of the public. John Thomas and his wife resided in St. Clair County during the Territorial days of Illinois, and on the 29th of June, 1S18, the year of the admis- sion to the Union, William A. Thomas was born. When a lad of sixteen years he came with I he fam- ily to Macoupin County in 1834, and subsequently entered land from the Government in Hilyard Township, developing therefrom a farm, upon which the parents resided until called to their linn I rest. The old homestead fell into the hands of their son William A., who died in December, 1881, and left the property to his four children. It is now in the possession of ihe Doctor and his brother Harris, and consists of two hundred and forty acres 288 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of highly improved land. This farm has never been out of the familj- since it was obtained from the Government about sixty years ago. William Thomas spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads, and when he had attained to mature years, wedded Lueinda Le May, who was born in Indiana, and when a child came to Illinois with her parents, the family set- tling near Plainview, where the father and mother died. The death of Mrs. Thomas occurred in 1863, at the age of forty years. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and a lady whose many acts of kindness and deeds of charity won her the love of all. Mr. Thomas became a prominent citizen of Ililyard Township, and was a leader in local poli- tics. His business affairs prospered, and he became quite well-to-do. He was a believer in religion, anil all that tended to elevate mankind and lived an upright life. In harmony with the thought that "the groves were God's first temples," his father, John D. Thomas, would often repair to a beautiful grove near his home for a quiet hour of prayer, and in reverence William Thomas would never per- mit it to be cut down or molested in any way. We now take up the personal history of our sub- ject, who upon the old Thomas homestead was reared to manhood in the usual manner of farmer lads, spending his boyhood days midst play and work. His literary education was acquired in the public schools, and when he had determined to make the medical profession his life work, he began reading under private direction. Our subject en- tered Blackburn University in the fall of 1873, and after completing a regular course, he was gradu- ated with the degree of B. IS. After a time he en- tered the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, from which institution he was graduated with the Class of '84. He entered upon practice in Palmyra immediately thereafter, and five years ago opened an oflice in Gillespie, where he has since built up a large and lucrative practice. The Doctor was married in Palmyra, to Minnie F., daughter of D. N. Solomon, a prominent busi- ness man and leading citizen of that place. The lady was born in Macoupin County, on the 8th of April, 1863, and is a graduate of the University of Lincoln, 111. She was also a student for some time in the Jacksonville Female College, and is a lady of intelligence and culture, who occupies a promi- nent position in the social world. Hospitality abounds in her own home, which she presides over with the grace and dignity of an accomplished lady. In polities the Doctor is a Democrat. He has worked his way upward to the front rank of the medical profession, and his skill and ability have won him a liberal patronage. •■6h*-» * XDREW IIUBER. Commercial life throughout America has been stimulated and invigorated by assimilating to itself the versatility, energy and enthusiasm of the Gaulic race. Descendants of this race are everywhere found to be successful farmers, mer- chants and dealers in various branches of business. Andrew Iluber is the leading business man of the city of Bunker Hill. His is the best business house in the town, centrally located at the southeast cor- ner of Washington and Warren Streets. He is a dealer in dry-goods, clothing, men's furnishing goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, millinery, carpets, etc. The magnitude of his business may be estimated when it is known that his income is upwards of $20,000 annually and that in outside business, such as dealing in grain, wool, apples and as a manufacturer of barrels, he does an annual bus- iness of ¥75,000. He is a hard-working man and wrapped up in his commercial pursuits. Mr. II nber was born in New Orleans, La., No- vember 2, 1856, where he lived with his parents until 1878, being educated in the Mound City Col- lege. His life has for the most part been spent in this part of Illinois. He went into business for himself in 1880 and has maintained his position at the present stand since 1884. He is a practical, far-seeing business man, one to whom the interests of the town are pre-eminently important — helpful in every way. Our subject was married to Miss Augusta Fah- renkrog, November 23, 1882, in Bunker Hill. The lady was born in Madison County, III., Janu- ary 6, 1865, and was reared and educated in Bun- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 28!) ker Hill. Naturally attractive and by virtue of lier husband's high position as a leading merchant of the city, she takes her place as a leader of soci- ety and their home is the center of the best life, so- cially and intellectually, of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Ruber attend and are members of the Lutheran Church. They are the proud parents of three daughters — Clara E., Ettic F. and Bertha L. Scarcely a project has been inaugurated in the city in which Mr. Huber has not been a leading spirit. He has been City Treasurer for sometime, for two years a member of the City Council, Vice President and Director of the Building Associa- tion, Director and President of the Bunker Hill Nail Company, Treasurer of the Bunker Hill Fire Company, and is also proprietor of the Huber Op- era House, which is over his store. Such men as these give us our reputation abroad as being the most energetic and far-seeing business men of the world. ♦S*£sj- B RTHTJR BOYLE, a general farmer and i stock-raiser and a very successful busi- ness man, located on section 12, of Hil- yard Township, owns a fine tract of three hundred and twenty acres, most of which is under the plow, and which is adorned with fine farm buildings. He has owned this place for the past nine years and it formerly belonged to bis father. Our subject was born in Burton, N. J., April 1, 1856, and is the eldest son of William and Mar- garet (McPhillips) Boyle, natives of the North of Ireland. Mr. Boyle came of Scotch-Irish Protes- tant stock and his wife's parents were Roman Catholics. This couple were reared and married in Count}' Deny, and soon after their union emi- grated to this country, leaving their native shore on board a sailing-vessel and landing in New York City about the year 1858. They settled for a time in New Jersey and three years later came to this State, making their home in Ililyard Town- ship, and here beginning life without capital ex- cept their own character, health and youth. After renting land for a time, they saved enough money to purchase their first eighty acres, which, after improving, they augmented by purchase until they owned a whole half section. This large tract of rich farming land Mr. Boyle improved and made of it one of the best farms in this township. After acquiring and improving this handsome property, Mr. Boyle died at his comfortable and beautiful home in December. ISM, having then reached the age of sixty-six years. He had joined the Methodist Episcopal Church early in life soon after coming to this count'}-, and died in that faith and in the hope of a glorious resurrection. He was a sound Republican in his political views and a man of thought on public matters. He was a good and worthy citizen and had many friends in this township and county, being highly esteemed as a practical and progressive farmer and stock- raiser. The first Mrs. Boyle had died at home in this township in 18G3, being then in the prime of life about thirty-five years old. Her sister became the second wife of Mr. Boyle, having before mar- riage been Ellen McPhillips, and being, like her sister, a native of Ireland and a Roman Catholic. She came to this country when a young woman and is now in a ripe old age, having reached the limit of three-score years and ten. Arthur Boyle has one brother living. Edward .1., a merchant at Omaha, Neb., whose wife was Maud White, of that city, and he also has a sister, Mary, the wife of C. S. Morgan, who lives on a farm in the same township with her brother. These are all that are now left of the father's family. Our subject was reared to manhood in this township, and was here united in marriage with Mary Tun- ncll, who was born in Polk Township, this county, March 25, 1864. Her parents, John and Eliza- beth (Brown) Tunnell, are now both departed. The father was for many years a prominent farmer of this county, and died in Carlinville in 1890, at the age of sixty. His wife had died four years previously at the old homestead in Polk Town- ship, having passed the milestone of her half cen- tury. They were prominent members of the Pres- byterian Church and well esteemed both for character and ability. Their daughter was judic- iously reared and given a liberal education, being 290 PORTRAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. n graduate of Blackburn University at Carlinville, and becoming a teacher for a short time before her marriage. She is a woman of superior quali- ties and culture, having true refinement and liber- ality of thought, and is a noble homemaker and housekeeper. No children have come to brighten the home. Mr. and Airs. Boyle arc attendants upon the Presbyterian Church and Mr. Boyle's political views are expressed in the platform of the Republican party. 1JSIIA DAWSON. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the owner and res- nce wild land to bloom and blossom as the rose. Their fine residence and comfortable sur- roundings all indicate the prosperity, which has crowned their efforts. Their home has been blessed by the presence of two children, and the}' also lost two in infancy. Carrie is now the wife of Marcus \V. Clark, who owns and operates a farm in Gilles- pie Township, and unto them have been born three children — Marcb, Harvey and Frank. Frank S. is a successful druggist and enterprising business man of Gillespie. He married Miss Lula Brown, and they have one child, Marcus. Mr. and Mrs. Boosinger are people of worth, ranking high in the esteem of their many acquaintances. He is a Re- publican in politics, has served for eight years as Road Commissioner, and for the long period of thirty-five years has been a school officer, which fact shows that he has the educational interests of the community at heart. Our subject is President of the Gillespie Brass Band. j^. ERBERT A. .TONES, a substantial and en- | terprising business man of Staunton, now engaged in general merchandising in the Quade department of the Union Block, be- gan business here in 1881, when, as a member of the firm of Gaby & .lones, he opened a general store. This partnership continued for three years and then a change occurred, the firm becoming Jones, Newman & Co., under which style operations were continued for a year, when Mr. Jones became sole proprietor. He now has a fine store, with en- trances on two of the principal streets of Staunton. The Main Street entrance ushers one into a room 65x28 feet and from this is another department, leading into a second room 28x24 feet. Mr. Joins carries a full line of general merchandise and by his earnest desire to please his customers, his genial manner and fair dealing, he has worked up an ex- cellent trade and the liberal patronage which he has secured nets him a good income. On the lGth of October. 1840, in Henry County. Iowa, Mr. Jones was born unto Herbert and Eliza- beth (Farris) Jones. His father, a native of Wales, emigrated to this country and located in New Hampshire, where he met and married Miss Farris, a native of the Granite State. On coming West in an early day, they settled on a farm in Henry County. Iowa, where all of their children were born, and there the parents died in middle life. The boyhood days of our subject were spent un- der the parental roof and when a young man he came to Illinois. In 1855 he secured a position in a dry-goods bouse in St. Louis, Mo., where he re- mained until 1861, when he came to Illinois. Two years later he obtained a clerkship in the Levi dry- goods store and clothing house, of Litchfield, where he resided for twenty years, during all that time being in the employ of the one firm. It was dur- ing his residence in Litchfield that he met and mar- ried Miss Maltie Brooks, a native of Illinois, born near Nauvoo, Hancock County, in September, 185G. When a child she removed with her par- ents to Duquoin County, where her father died in the prime of life. Mrs. Brooks, her mother, after- ward removed to Litchfield, and her death occurred in Edwardsville, at the age of seventy years. The marriage of our subject and his wife was celebrated in 18G7, and unto them has been born a daughter, Maude, an accomplished young lady, who has a host of friends in Staunton. Mr. Jones has led a busy and useful life, yet aside from his business interests he has found time to devote to public affairs. He is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, who manifests a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the county and its advancement. In his social rela- tions he is a Mason, belonging to Staunton Lodge, No. 177, A. F. & A. M., of which he is Treasurer; he also holds membership with Camp No. 572, M. 300 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. W. A. and of the Knights and Ladies of Honor. In business and social circles he is alike favorably known and though his residence in .Staunton cov- ers a period of only ten years, he takes rank among her leading citizens. 15. ELDRED,a representative of one of the early pioneer families of Illinois, is an old and highly respected citizen of this county, who is now living in retirement at Carlinville, hav- ing acquired a goodly amount of property during his active business life as a farmer from which he derives an ample income He was born at Win- field, Herkimer County, N. Y., October 31, 1819. His father, who was named Ward Eldred, was born in Connecticut in 1795, and was a son of Jehose- phal Eldred, who was also a native of that New State, and was a descendant of one of three broth- ers who came to America from Wales in Colonial times. The grandfather of our subject was reared on a farm, and was married in his native State to Polly Landon. After marriage he removed to Heiki mer County, N. Y., and was a pioneer of that section of the country, buying a tract of wood land and clearing a farm. There were no railroads or canals in the Empire State in those days, and Albany was the nearest market and depot for sup- plies. In 1820 he sold his possessions there, anil with his wife and seven children, two of whom had families, he again started Westward in search of a new location in the young State of Illinois. The little party set out on their long and momentous journey in the month of March, driving to (Mean Point, where they embarked, teams and all on flat- boats and floated down on the Alleghany and Ohio Rivers to the Mississippi, to Shawneetown, having an Indian pilot to guide them on their way, and from the latter place drove with their teams to Mad- ison County. The grandfather of our subject rented improved land and after raising a crop for win- ter use, removed with his family to Greene County. He and his sons, William and Ward, bought to- gether a squatter's claim to a tract of Government land, a part of which is now included in the town of Carrollton. He erected a log house, and at once commenced to evolve a farm from the wilderness; that was prior to the time that Carrollton was laid out, and Greene, Jersey, Macoupin and a part of Scott County were included in Greene County, St. Louis being the nearest market. Deer, turkeys and other kind of game were abundant, and the In- dians still lived on the Illinois River. In 1826 Grandfather Eldred went to the mines at Galena, and in that vicinity spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring at a venerable age in 1847. His wife died before he did, her life terminating Greene County in 1821. Ward Eldred was but a child when his parents went to New York State, and there he grew to a vigorous manhood, and in due time he was married. In 1818 he visited Illinois on a prospecting tour, and after a short stay in Madison County, returned as he came, on foot. In 1820 he came back here with his father and other members of the family and settled in Greene County, buying a claim on which he located. When the land came into mar- ket he attended the sale at Edwardsville, and bought four hundred acres for himself, besides quite a tract for his father and another for his brother. It was prairie and timber land, and a cabin stood on his purchase, into which the family moved in December, 1820. After the death of his wife in 1823 Mr. Eldred broke up housekeeping and made his home with his brother William until 1828, when he married a second time, and built a log house on his farm for the accommodation of his bride. He lived on that place some years and then sold and bought Illinois River bottom lands in the same county. There he closed his e3 r es in that dreamless sleep that knows no waking, in June, 1851. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Emma Brace, and she was of Connect- icut birth. Her father Asahel Brace, was also a native of New England, and he was a son of Abel Brace. The former went to New York to locate in the early days of the settlement of that State, and became a resident of Winfield, where he drew out the remnant of his days to a good old age. His wife bore the maiden name of Katie Curtis. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 301 Our subject was the only son of his mother, anil he was bereft by death of her tender care when he was scarcely four years old. His paternal grand- parents then took him in charge until his father's second marriage. His education was obtained in the pioneer schools of the early years of the settle ■ inent of this State, which were held in log houses, furnished with slab benches that were supported by wooden pegs, and a board on either side of the ' school-room served as a common writing desk for the pupils. These primitive buildings were lighted by a part of two logs being cut out and a row of pieces of glass eight by ten inches in size being in- serted in the hole thus made in the wall. The schools were taught on the subscription plan, and our subject;, eager for a practical knowledge of books, attended whenever opportunity offered. When not in school our subject assisted in the labors of the farm, and continued to reside with his parents until he established domestic relations of his own by his marriage in March, 1842, to Miss Emeline Wooley, a native of Greene County, 111., and a daughter of David and Lauretta (Hodge) Wooley, who were residents of New York S-,ate prior to their removal to Illinois when they became pioneers of Greene Count}-. Mr. Eldred's first wife died in 1857, leaving three children, Da- mon II.. William O. and George. His second mar- riage was in 1858 to Miss Elizabeth Ritchie, a native of New York City, and a daughter of John and Margaret (Wilson) Ritchie. Her death oc- curred May 24, 1873. Eive children are living of that marriage — Charles W., Samuel W., Horace ()., Margaret D. and John F. Our subject was a third time married September 3, 1875, Miss Grace Trible becoming his wife. She is a native of Devonshire, England, and a daughter of John and Mary (Oli- ver) Trible. Her parents were also natives of Devonshire, and came from their old English home to this country in 1858. The}' settled nearGirard, in this county, where Mr. Trible bought land anil was prosperously engaged in farming until his death in January, 1890. His widow now makes her home with her children. When Mr. Eldred married and settled down in life his father gave him eighty acres of land nine miles west of Carrollton. In March, 1857, he sold that place, and coining to this county, bought four hundred and eighty acres of land in Polk Town- ship, upon which he made his home until March, 1890, when he purchased his present commodious and conveniently arranged residence in Carlinville. During his active business life he displayed great enterprise, tact and ability in the management of his affairs that brought him riches, and he knows how to enjoy his wealth, and he has a thorough appreciation of good things of life. His many years' residence in this county have gained him a large acquaintance, among whom he has many warm friends, attracted to him by his genial, jovial disposition, and by his generous and kindly nature. In his earl}- life he was a Whig, and his first Presi- dential vote was cast for W. H. Harrison. Since 18G0 he has been a devoted adherent of the Repub- lican party. He has served as Assessor of Polk Township, and is a member and Director of the Macoupin County Agricultural Society, always do- ing all in his power to promote the be3t interests of this section. ILLIAM JONES, Esq., a well-known and 3,1 flfclLLIAM, \Jf honored ^7\v gaged in pioneer of this county, now en- general farming on section Hi, Brighton Township, claims Wales as the land of his nativity. He was born in Radnorshire, on the 14th of May, 1 8 1 G, of the union of Thomas and Ellen (Vail) Jones. His father is of Welsh de- scent, his mother of French lineage. They were married and began their domestic life in the province where our subject was born and after some years removed into an adjoining county in England. During the war with France which ended in the defeat of Napoleon, Thomas Jones made and lost a fortune. In 1831, after the birth of all their children, he and his wife left England, sailing from Liverpool to the United States upon the ship "Ajax," commanded by Capt. Hum. After five weeks and three days spent upon the water they landed in New York City, whence they made their way to Dutchess County, N. Y., where they resided until the spring of 1833, when they 302 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. made their way by the New Orleans and Alton route to Illinois. The combined capital of the family at that time was only $10, five of which was paid for conveying them to Brighton. The other five was used to make a partial payment upon a milch cow, the remainder to paid for by the labor of one of the boys. After a time with the help of one of his sons, Thomas .Jones purchased one hun- dred and twenty acres of Government land which he cleared and developed, making it a good farm. The mother died at their home in the early days when about sixty years of age. The father died at the home of his son, our subject, about nineteen years later. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. They had a large family but with the exception of William and his brother Thomas, who is now living in Beardstown, III., all are now deceased. Our subject has been a resident of Illinois since he was seventeen years of age with the exception of a very short period. He worked for many years as a farm hand and throughout his life has engaged in agricultural pursuits with the exception of the two years he spent on the Pacific Slope, immediately after the discovery of gold in Cali- fornia, be set out with H. C. Clark and William Loveland with fourteen ox-teams and as many- wagons. On the 6th of May the party crossed the Missiouri River at St. Joseph, and started on the wearisome march across the plains, arriving on the 1st of August at the Nevada mines on Greenhorn River. They made the first trail over that country. For a time Mr. Jones engaged in mining and then made a trip to San Francisco and Sacramento for the mail for the others of the camp. Subsequently he joined parties in a merchandising venture which was very successful and later he struck some very good surface mining. After spending two years in California, he returned home by the way of the Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans and with his gold dust purchased his present homestead. His western experience was interesting in many par- ticulars yet he also suffered many hardships, being afflicted with the scurvy which prevailed to a great extent among the miners. In this county, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Miss Eveline Dandridge, who was born in Alabama, in 1813, and died at her home in Brighton Township in 1864, leaving one son, Thomas A., who married Clara Clark and is now a farmer of this community. The mother was a member of the Baptist Church and a most estimable lady. For a second wife Mr. Jones choose Miss Margaret Forse, who was born and reared in Dresden, Ohio, and afterward came to Illinois, where she married Mr. Jones. In religious belief she was a Presby- terian and died in the faith of that church in 1881. Three children were born of their marriage, Susan M., Vail F. and Hugh W., who are still at home with their father. Mr. Jones is a prominent Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge of Brighton, and in politics is a Democrat. He has served as Justice of the Peace and School Trustee for thirty-nine years and is re- garded as one of the leading citizens of the com- munity. His attention however has been devoted mostly to his farming interests and he is now the owner of twelve hundred acres of highly-improved land which yields to him a golden tribute for the care and cultivation he bestows upon it. -«= "JYJ AMES ETTER is one of the reputable farm- ers of South Palmyra Township, owning and operating an estate pleasantly located on section 9. It consists of ninety acres of fertile land which was given to our subject by his father, and which is well cultivated, supplied with substantial buildings and made the source of a good income. Mr. Etter was reared to farm life and is well acquainted with all the details of his work and knows what means should be taken to beautify as well as to make productive. He was born in the township in which he now lives, Jul}' 21, 1848, and in his early years attended the district school. His parents are Henry and Elizabeth (Davidson) Etter, under whose roof he remained until he was twenty-five years of age. October 30, 1873, Mr. Etter was united in mar- riage with Miss Julia F. Richie, who was born in South Palmyra Township in 1856. Her father, Eli W. Richie, is a reputable farmer. After their UBRART OF THE uwvwwty cr iliinc PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 305 marriage Mr. and Mrs. Etter settled where they are now living. Their pleasant home is brightened by the presence of four children, named respectively, Eli Scott; Settla A., died when seven years old; Elfa J., Henry Ross and Ola J. Mr. Etter has served as Constable, Road Com- missioner, Township Clerk and Collector. He was elected to the first ollice soon after attaining his majority, and filled each of the other positions in turn in a capable manner. He keeps himself well informed regarding the news of the day and the political issues and converses intelligently. He always casts his ballot with the Democrats. As a citizen he is reliable and steady going, in social life he is agreeable, and in his own home he is thoughtful and considerate. ^*fl S*--. vfps LLISON BRALEV. The gentleman whose |L portrait is presented on the opposite page is I one of the most extensive farmers and land- owners in the county, and is numbered among the Oldest citizens now residing at Carlinville. He is widely known and honored for his integiit}' of character and good citizenship. He comes of good old New England stock and is himself a native of that section of the country, Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Mass., his place of birth and .July 26, 1810, the date thereof. His father, whose given name was Ezekiel, was born in Rhode Island in 1782 and was a son of Roger Braley, who was a native of Massachusetts and the descendant of an old Huguenot family that came to America in 1700 to escape religious persecution in their native land, and settled in Massachusetts buying large tracts of land from the Indians, the deed of the same reading, "in con- sideration of two smokes of the pipe and one drink of eider." A part of the land was afterward the home of Daniel Webster. The first ancestor to come to this country spelled his name Brales. He reared four sons, who were named Ezekiel, Rauel, John and Roger. The grandfather of our subject left his early home in the old Pay State and made a new one for himself in Rhode Island, where he lived until death closed his mortal career. He married Ruth Cole, who after his death became the wife of a man by the name of Posworth, spending her last years in Massachusetts. The father of our subject lived in his native State until he attained manhood and early learned the trade of a shoemaker. When a young man he went to Massachusetts and was em- ployed on a farm by Capt. Rockwood in that part of the town of Upton now included in Hopkinton. He subsequently bought a small tract of land live miles south of that town, and resided thereon some years, farming in summer and making shoes in the winter. In 182G he removed to Holliston, where he lived until 1840. His next move was to Westboro, where his earthly pilgrimage was brought to an end and he was gathered to his fathers at a ripe old age. He and his good wife reared a family of nine children, of whom the following is noted: Elliott, who came to Illinois in 1857, died at Carlinville in his eighty-third year; Ellison is the subject of this sketch; Philander came to this State in 183G, and after living in Madison County fifteen years, has ever since been a resident of Carlinville; Louisa married Charles Morgan and resides at Carlinville; Harriet married Nelson Cole and lives at Piasa this county; Benjamin is a resident of of Westboro, Mass.; George R. lives near Dexter, Mo.; Gibbs, the eldest son of the fa»...ly. died in 1881, at the age of seventy -five ; Esther, the youngest daughter, died in 1886 at the age of fifty-seven years. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Lois Walker and she was born in 1783 in Hopkinton, Mass. Her father, Timothy Walker, was also a native of Massachusetts and was a son of Israel ami Abigail Walker. He was a soldier in both the Revolution and the War of 1812. His entire life was passed in his native State, where he carried on the occupation of a farmer and hunter. He married Lois Gibbs, a native of Hop- kinton and a daughter of Isaac and Lois Gibbs. The mother of our subject departed this life in her native town. Ellison Braley left the parental home at the age of twelve years and went to live wii.h Charles 306 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Valentine in llopkinton. with whom lie 'remained until he was fifteen years old. He then accom- panied Mr. Valentine to Boston, where the latter formed a partnership with Mr. Bridges to carry on the business of wholesale provision merchants. Our subject continued in their employ in the Boyl- ston Market six years and then in 1832 went to New York in the interests of Mr. Bridges, and assisted him there nntil 1838. In the fall of that year he started Westward with another young man. driving to Western Pennsylvania with a horse and wagon, then traveling by stage by the way of Pittsburg and Wheeling to Cincinnati; there they embarked on a steamboat and proceeded to Madison, Ind., where Mr. Braley worked for a time for a New York firm. The following spring he made his way to Illinois, traveling on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to St. Louis and from that city by a two-horse wagon to Carlinville, where he arrived the 1st of April. He rented land, on which he raised a crop of corn and in the fall formed a partnership with a tanner. Five years later he sold out his interest in the tannery and bought a country store, which he managed a year and a half, and later bought a grist mill at Collins Mill. The next venture was to buy a steam flour mill at East St. Louis, which he operated a few months and then sold advantageously. Soon after that Mr. liraley bought a steam saw- mill on Macoupin Creek, a mile and a half from Carlinville, his brother being interested with him in the purchase. They refitted the mill, putting in new machinery and repairing the boilers, and worked the concern very profitably until it was burned a year later. The brothers then came to Carlinville and erected a steam saw mill and were engaged in the manufacture of lumber until 1804. when they sold their mill. During that time the Chicago & Alton Railroad was in process of con- struction and they had the contract to furnish the joint ties for the road, which was completed from Alton to Carlinville in July, 1852. That fall they took the contract to furnish ties and lumber to be used in the construction of the road between Springfield and Bloomington. After disposing of the mill our subject turned his attention to farm- ing; and became one of the most extensive and successful farmers in this region. He now owns eight hundred and sixty acres of choice land, all lying in this county and conveniently divided into different farms, which are under good tillage and amply supplied with a good class of farm build- ings. Mr. Braley was married in the city of New York November 1, 1840, to Miss Catherine Coon, a na- tive of Rensselaer County, N. Y., and to her devo- tion to his interests is undoubtedly attributable a good share of his prosperity. They have six chil- dren: George, a resident of Virden; Sarah, living in California; Eleanora, the widow of General Rowett, of whom see biography on another page of this volume; Catherine, Paul and Cyrus F., the latter three living with their parents. Through a long and busy life that has passed the eightieth milestone on the journey to immor- tality, our subject has shown himself to possess in an eminent degree those dominant characteristics of the genuine sons of New England that have made theaa such potent factors in the upbuilding of any community wherever their lot may be cast. His capability and keen insight into the best meth- ods of managing his financial interests, together with his plain and straightforward dealings, have placed him among the moneyed men of the county. He and his wife stand high in social and religions circles and are among the most esteemed members of the Presbyterian Church. Formerly a Whig. Mr. Braley has been a tried and true Hepubliean since the formation of the part} - . JAMES F. MESSICK. The varied wants of the present generation and the many inven- tions that have been made during the cent- ury give rise to numerous occupations and lines of trade. It is well that it is so, as the tastes and peculiar abilities of men are thus called in play and legitimately exercised for their worldly prosperity. Carlinville is the headquarters of Mr. Messick, who has for some time been engaged in the sale of musical instruments in this and adjoin- ing counties. By fair dealing he has secured a PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFX'ORD. 307 large trade and his reward has been a good main- tenance and the ability to supply his family with every comfort and give his daughter excellent ad- vantages. Mr. Messick is a native of this county, having been born on a farm in Brushy Mound Township., February 24, 1844. His father, Joseph W. Mes- sick, who was born in Christian Count}-, Ky., was reared and married in his native State, and con- tinued to reside there until 1840, when he removed to this State with teams. Reaching Cabokia Town- ship, this county, he made his home there two years, then went to Gillespie Township, and in February, 1844, settled in Brushy Mound Town- ship. He bought a tract of wild prairie land and built upon it the log-house in which his son James was born. He improved the land and lived upon it until 1868, then sold and for a few years resided in Nilwood Township, after which he went lo Kansas. For a time he made his home in Bourbon County, but finally established himself in Crawford County, where he is still living. His father, Abra- ham Messick, is believed to have been born in Pennsylvania and was an early settler in Christian County, Ky. The wife of Joseph Messick and mother of our subject was Sarah Kittinger, a native of the Blue Grass State, who died in 1860. She had six child- ren, named respectively, Daniel W., James F., Joseph. B., Martin A., Sarah and Thomas. Daniel was killed at Pittsburg Landing, being a member of the Thirty-second Illinois Infantry; Joseph served in the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Illin- ois Infantry. The gentleman whose name introduces these paragraphs was educated in his native township ind in the intervals of study assisted in carrying on the farm, lie obtained a practical education ind at the early age of sixteen years began teach- ing and until 1864 gave a part of each year to ped- agogical work. He then enlisted, enrolling himself in Company G.One Hundred and Thirty. third Illin- iia Infantry, in the month of May, but a short time ifter he had passed his twentieth birthday. His inrollment was for one hundred days and he served inlil September, when he was honorably dis- 'barged, the term of service having expired. He resumed his former occupations of teaching and farming, and spent each winter in the school-room until 1873. He then entered upon his present business, in which he has been more than ordinarily successful. The family of Mr. Messick consists of a wife and daughter. His wife was known in her maidenhood as Miss Susan R. Kelly, and changed her name to that she now bears, in 1868. She is a capable, well-read woman, with a Christian character, and is an excellent neighbor and true friend. The daughter, Nellie 11., has been the object of tender and judicious care and is well calculated to adorn any circle in which she may be placed. Husband, wife and daughter belong to the Methodist Episco- pal Church and Mr. Messick is Trustee and Stew- ard. After giving due thought to the political situation he decided in favor of Republican princi- ples and he has seen no reason to abandon the party. < HHK'r GEORGE II. GIBSON, M. D., is a popular and well-known physician at Shipinan. He \>^r|l is a native of this State, born at Brighton September 15, 1853. His father, James W. Gilson, was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and was a son of William Gilson, who was also a native of the Key- stone State, of which he was a life-long resident. He was of Scotch ancestry. His occupation was that of a farmer. The father of our subject passed his early life amid the scenes of his birth, but when he attained manhood he set out in the world to seek fortune's favors in the Great West, as this part of the coun- try was then called. He came to this State in 1840, and buying a partly improved farm near Brighton, he devoted himself to agriculture for some years. He then took up his residence at Brighton, where he turned his attention to the mer- cantile business, and to buying and shipping grain. His death August 30, 1860, removed from that town one of its most enterprising citizens, who had been a valuable help in its upbuilding. In earl}' manhood he had married at Jefferson, Ind.. Marian Merriwether, a native of Todd County, K}-. She 308 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. departed this life August 31, 1873. She was the mother of seven children. Our subject laid the foundation of a liberal edu- cation in the Brighton public schools, and was subsequently graduated from Blackburn University in the class of 1872. Thus well prepared, he en- tered upon his medical studies at the St. Louis Medical College, from which he was graduated in the class of March, 1876. Before he entered upon his professional career, he made a tour of the East- ern States, visiting the Centennial Exposition at, Philadelphia, and other points of interest, broaden- ing Ids mind by contact with the outside world and deepening his knowledge by intelligent obser- vation. In the fall of the year he opened an office at Shipmau, and has been in continuous practice here since, establishing himself in the confidence of the people by his successful mode of treatment of the various ailments and diseases that come under his care, and obtaining a warm place in their hearts by his manifest interest in the welfare of his patients, by his never failing geniality, and by courteous consideration of others. Our subject is prominent in medical and social circles as a member and Vice- President of the Macoupin County Society for Medical Improvement; of the American Medical Association; of the Illinois State Medical Society ; and of Shipman Lodge, No. 212, A. F. & A. M. Doctor Gilson was united in marriage to Miss M. A. Preston, in 1880. Their wedded life was terminated by her death October 18, 1888. "tf^rtg^e*! W. ZIMMERMANN, one of the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of Bunker Hill Township, residing on section 33, has there made his home since before the war. He was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Ger- many, November 8, 1822, not far from the North Sea, and his parents, William and Minnie (Debuhr) Zimmerman, were also born in the same locality, where they spent their entire lives. The father of our subject was a farmer and both he and his wife were members of the German Lutheran Church. Unto them were born seven children, after which the mother died and Mr. Zimmerman was again married, while of that union were born a son and daughter. Only four members of the family have made homes in America — John, Rich- ard and F. W., all of whom are resident farmers of this county; and a half-brother Henry, who lives in Bethalto, III. The subject of this sketch spent the days his boyhood and youth in his native land and when twenty-five years of age, having determined try his fortune in the New World, took passage Bremen, on the sailing-vessel "Post," which length reached the harbor of New Orleans, aftei a long and tedious voyage of ten weeks, in whic they encountered two hard storms. This vvas the fall of 1848 and in the following spring Zimmermann made his way up the Mississippi Rive to Alton and located in Madison County. Ther he married Miss Margaretla Post, who was also native of Hanover and came to the United State in the same vessel in which her future husbanc sailed. Her parents continued to reside in Ger many until death. For the long period of forty yeais Mr. and Mrs Zimmermann have traveled life's journey together sharing with each other its prosperity and adver sity, its joys and its sorrows. Five children havil come to bless their union, but four of them are nov deceased — William, who died at the age of eigh years; Willie, who died when nine months old Anna, whose death occurred at the age of twenty four; and Frank, who died at the age of thirty four; he married Anna Lutz, who is now b'ving v Bunker Hill; Herman F. wedded Belle Duffy am owns and operates a good farm in Bunker Hil Township. Mr. Zimmermann left Illinois in 1850, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, and in com pan3 - with Henry Keizer and John Heind started fc the Pacific Slope with five mules and one wagon They left in the month of April, crossed the Mis souii River at St. Joseph, thence followed the ohj Fremont trail and after seventy-four days reache Hangtown, Cal., where Mr. Zimmermann worked fti a time. Along the banks of the river he then enj gaged in mining for six months, when his righ RESIDENCE OP PETER HOF.CKER, 5EC. 8,, SHAW'S POI NT TP. , MACOUPIN CO., ILL. . ...... residence or herman f. ziMMERMAnr. sec, sa., bunker hill. .,-..■ RESIDENCE OF f, W. Z\ MM ERM AN N , SEC.33.,BU NKER HI LL TP.MACOU PI N CO., ILL. UiRABV PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORI). 311 ankle was crushed. As no physician was access- ible in that country he suffered greatly from the ac- cident and resolved to return home. He had been quite successful in his mining operations and with a considerable quantity of gold dust he sailed < nit of the Golden Gate in an ocean vessel, returning home by way of the Isthmus. They touched on the island of Cuba and thence sailed to New Or- leans and afterward up the river to Alton. For a time after his return Mr. Zimmerman en- gaged in farming in Madison County and then pur- chased his present farm on section 33, Bunker Hill Township, which has now been his home for about a third of a century. He has a pleasant residence, a view of which appears on another page, good bams and other outbuildings and all the improvements pecessary to a model farm. Although he had little capital when he came to America, he has worked his way steadily upward, overcoming the obstacles in his path and is now numbered among the well- to-do farmers of the community. In political sen- timent Mr. Zimmerman was formerly a Democrat, but since the war has been a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the German Methodist Church of Bunker Hill, and such have been their lives that they have won the conQdente and esteem of all with whom they have come in contact. ETER IIOECKER, President of the Board of School Directors of Shaw's Point Town- ship, is numbered among the leading Ger- man-American citizens of this county, where he has a beautiful farm on section 8. Through unremitting exertions he has become the owner of two hundred and thirty acres, all under a high state of cultivation, and divided into fields from which good crops are garnered at the proper time. He has embellished his estate with substan- tial farm buildings and a commodious residence, and is carrying on the work of general farming systematically and with pleasing success. The at- tention of the reader is invited to a view of his homestead which appears on another page. A native of Germany, Mr. Iloecker was born November 20, 1840, and is the son of Abraham and Catherine (Darsam) Hoecker. When he was live years old he accompanied his parents across the broad Atlantic and after landing in New York came West with them to St. Clair County, 111. Here this worthy couple resided for many years, engaged in farming pursuits and becoming known as honorable citizens. When they became old, they left their homestead and removed to Macoupin County, making their home with our subject dur- ing their declining years 'and here also they passed from earth. They were surrounded by all the com- forts which affection could supply and after brave- ly fighting the battle of life, peacefully entered into their final rest. The youth of our subject was passed in much the same manner as that of most farmer boys, alter- nating his attendance in school with labor at home. He early gailfttkalgjaelical knowledge of agricul- ture an«l wheS%Jrej&red to start out in life for him- self, nalurany 'c^iTOff'ralWm* as his avocation. In 18G5 he left St. Clair County, where he had re- sided after coming to the United States, and lo- cated in Shaw's Point Township, this county. He become identified with this community and is known as an honorable, high minded citizen. As above stated he is now President of the School Board, of which he has been a member for many years. He has also served the people in various minor ottiees and politically is independent, casting his ballot in favor of those whom he thinks best qualified to serve the interests of the people. On January 23, 1873, Mr. Hoecker was married to Miss Mary Laubenthal, an estimable woman, whose price has indeed been "far above rubies" and whose children "rise up and call her blessed." Mrs. Hoecker is the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Weaver) Laubenthal, natives of Germany, who came to the United States, settling in Monroe County, 111., where they died. Their daughter, Mary, was born in Monroe County, November 27, 1852, and was there reared to maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Hoecker are the parents of eight children, as follows: Anna L., Katie L., Louis, Mary T., Otilda A., August, Elenora, and John. Elenora died whin three and one-half years old, and the other child- 312 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ren remain under the parental roof. They are being carefully instructed, not only in matters of the intellect but in graces of character, and their increase in knowledge and true politeness gratifies their parents greatly. EWffi JOHNSON, a retired farmer, living at Carlinville, has been a resident of this county forty-six j'ears, coming here in pio- neer times, and he has contributed his quota to its growth and prosperity. He was born in Clark County, Ind., June 30, 1820, a son of James John- son, who was a Pennsylvanian by birth, born in 1788. The father of the latter, who was also named James, removed from Pennsylvania to Ken- tucky in 1700, floating down the Ohio in a flat- boat to his destination. He resided for a lime in Scott County, and was one of its early settlers. lie went from there to Shelby County in 1702, and resided there until his death. The father of our subject was reared in Kentucky. He was one of the men set to guard the river at the falls to intercept Aaron Burr when he was ar- rested for plotting the formation of a new and rival State from the South-western territory of the Union, and later he received a land grant for his services. He married in Kentucky Miss Mary Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Wise) Miller. In 1811 Mr. Johnson became a pioneer of Clark County, Ind.. that State then being a territory, still in the pos- session of the Indians, with but few white inhabi- tants. He built a log house on the tract of land that he bought from the Government, and in that humble abode in the wilderness his son of whom we write was born. The father cleared a good farm, and resided on it until 1868, when he sold it and came to Illinois to spend his last days in Ma- coupin County, and here his death occurred in 1871. His wife died on the old farm in Indiana in 1842. The subject of this biographical review grew to a stalwart manhood in his native county, and was educated in its primitive schools, that were taught in log houses, which were rudely furnished witl seats made by splitting poplar logs hewn smootl on one side and wooden pins inserted for leg* Mr. Johnson remained with his parents until In was twenty-four years old, affording his father val uable assistance on the farm, and also working a the trade of a cooper. In 1815, in the prime aui vigor of early manhood, imbued by the pionee spirit of his ancestors, he, too, sought to build up; home in a new country, and coming to Illinois oi horseback, be cast his lot with the early settlers o Bird Township. He bought a tract of wild prai rie on section l,and by hard pioneer labor devcl oped in time into a fine farm. His first work wa to erect a log cabin, and when he married he am his bride commenced life together within its walls He was much prospered in his calling, and in Sep tern her, 1889, was enabled to retire from aclivi business, renting his farm and coming to Carlin ville, where he had previously erected a comforta ble house, in which he has since made his home. One of the most important events in the life o our subject was his marriage November 25, 1847 to Miss Minerva Stevens Good, a native of Fayette Greene County, III., born September 25, 1828 They have two children, Clara E. and Edgar K The former married Peter L. Denby, of South Pal myra Township, and they have two children, Zoc and Frederick L. Edgar married Viola Harringtoi and they have one child, named Lois. They lin at Carlinville. Mrs. Johnson comes of one of the old pioneei families of this State. Her father, Ezekiel Good ' was a native of Georgia, and was a sou of Thoma.- IT. Good, who was a Virginian by birth. The lat- ter removed from Virginia to Georgia, thence tc South Carolina, and from there came to Illinois in 1815, in territorial days. He evolved a farm from the wilderness on which he continued to live until death ended his earthly pilgrimage. The maiden name of his wife was Gillam, and she also died in Madison County. Mrs. Johnson's father was a 3'oung man when he came to Illinois with his parents. After mar- riage he settled in Greene County, whence he came in 1820, to Macoupin Count}-, and was one of the first to settle at Carlinville, the house that he built PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 313 being the first dwelling erected on the present site of the city. He was also one of the first to engage in mercantile business here. He did not continue n long, however, but devoted himself to fanning and surveying. He was the first Postmaster at Carlinville, and the Circuit Court was held in his bouse. In 1834 his useful life was terminated by his death, and Macoupin County was deprived of the services of one of its practical, energetic pio- neers. The maiden name of his wife was Alice Bird, and she was born in New York City. Her father, Henry Knickerbocker Bird, was a native of the State of iS'ew York, and commenced the life of a sailor in his boyhood, becoming in time the com- mander of a vessel. Mrs. Johnson's mother died at Carlinville in 1851. A sturdy Republican in politics, Mr. Johnson has always faithfully supported his party. For thirty-three years he held the office of Postmaster, and has served as School Trustee and Township Assessor. His life-course has been marked by strict integrity in all things, and as a man and a citizen he has always conducted himself so as to win and retain the respect of all with whom he conies in contact. In his wife Mr. Johnson has a faithful helpmate and companion. She is a sincere Christian and a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. C\ ^OHN J. WOMACK. This gentleman i 8 identified with the vast army of fanners who are doing so much to enhance the pros- RsW perity of the State of Illinois, and whose homes attest to their enjoyment of the material comforts which they gain and the advantages afforded by modern civilization. His home is on section 32, Shaw's Point Township, and his farm of one hundred and sixty acres is as carefully and intelligently tilled as any in Macoupin County. His character is one worthy to be held up as a model to those who succeed him, while his record as a citizen can be pointed to with pride by hisi [posterity. Mr. Womack claims Kentucky as his native Slate, and in Spencer County he was born Novem- ber 27, 1819. Being the son of a poor man, he was obliged to assist his father in laboring for the support of the family, anil his educational ad- vantages were therefore limited, lie has made up for the deficiences of his early education by careful reading, and is always well posted upon all topics of importance. He spent the first six- teen years of his life in the Blue Grass State, and in 1835 accompanied his father. John W. Womack, to Macoupin County, this State. The father lo- cated first in Shaw's Point Township, and thence, after a sojourn of ten years, he removed to Bird Township, where lie died. The mother of our subject, Elizabeth (Maddox) Womack, died in Kentucky. Since 1835 Mr. Womack has resided continu- ously in- this county, where he has been engaged in farming. He was married in Shaw's Point Township, December 23, 1847, to Miss Mary A. Lofton, and of the eight children born to them we note the following: Thomas W. served during the late war in the Seventh Illinois Infantry, and died in Louisville, Ivy.; Barbara A. died when two years old: William is at home; Abigail [Kissed from earth at the age of twenty three; Lucy died in infancy; John is at home; George died when about twenty years old ; Albartis passed away at the age of less than nineteen years. Mrs. Womack died at their home in Shaw's Point Township October 8, 1865. The lady who now presides over the domestic affairs in the home of Mr. Womack became his wife May 9, 1867. She was born in Kentucky and bore the maiden name of Ann M. Bain bridge. She was the widow of John 1). Thompson, of Car- linville Township, and her marriage to Mr. Wo- mack was solemnized in the city of Carlinville. To Mr. Womack and his estimable wife two chil- dren have been born — James II. and Frederick M., both of whom are still under the parental roof. Mr. Womack keeps himself informed regarding political and other issues, votes the Republican ticket and takes special interest in educational matters. His fellow-citizens have often called upon him to fill various positions of responsibility and trust, and to the duties of every ollice he 314 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he has brought the same enterprise and devotion winch has characterized his personal efforts, lie has been Supervisor of Shaw's Point Township seven terms, and has served as Justice of the Peace eight years. For twenty-six years in succession he has been the efficient School Director of his district, and has in various ways been identified with the progress of the county. For many years he and his estimable wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, iu which he has been Steward and Trustee. He is a firm believer in the power of Christian principle, and he thinks the good of the people is subserved by religious societies, even though thry are not of his denomi- nation. ->&£&&f&*^ E LIAS TONGATE, one of the prosperous farmers of the county, is located on section 3, South Palmyra Township. He has one hundred and twenty-one acres of well improved land and is prosecuting his chosen work with the zeal and intelligence that make a success of an un- dertaking, lie belongs to one of the pioneer fam- ilies of the county, his grandparents having brought their family hither in 1837. Grandfather Ton gate, whose given name was Achilles, was born in Am- herst County, Va., removed from his native State to Kentucky, thence to Missouri and to this State in 1836. For about a twelvemonth he resided in Morgan County, then made a permanent location near Palmyra. He and his faithful wife lived to- gether sixty-six years, and he survived her only a few years, reaching the venerable age of ninety- three. He sat on the jury in the first murder trial in this county which brought in a verdict of guilty and was followed by hanging. Grandfather Ton- gate accumulated a fortune of about $10,000, which was divided among six sons and a daughter. Micajah C. Tongate, father of our subject, was born in Green County, Ky., June 1, 1821, and hav- ing accompanied his parents to this State, grew to maturity here. November 16, 1843, he married Melinda Fletchei, a native of Kentucky who died August 24, 1853. She had four children, two of whom survive — Elias and Nancy J., the latter now the widow of William Davis. In .lime, 1854 Mr. Tongate made a second marriage, wedding Mary A. Cherry, a native of Tennessee, who came to this State when quite young. This union was blest by the birth of five children, four of whom are now living and all in South Palmyra Township. The third of these is William M. and the youngest is Ilattie L., who is unmarried. The others are Vesta II., wife of James W. Challacombe, and Ida M., wife of F. K. Strale. The mother died in De- cember, 1883, and the father passed away July 19, 18110. Mr. Tongate left an estate of two hundred and forty eight acres of well-improved land. He was a Democrat and never failed to deposit his vote. He never sought office but was sometimes chosen for local positions of trust. He was a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity. Elias Tongate was born in this county January 12, 1818, was educated in the common schools and reared as a farmer. He thoroughly understands his calling and secured good results for his labors. He was married, October 26, 1873, to Clara E. Chiids, who was born in this county in 1850. She was removed from her family by death in 1881, leaving to the tender care of her husband two daughters — Melinda C. and Nellie M. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Her father was Thomas W. Chiids, whose name is familiar to many of our readers. Mr. Tongate is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic frater nitv. He has held township offices and Has worth- ily discharged the duties pertaining thereto and at the same time has been a good citizen and oue who is respected by his acquaintances. "William M. Tongate whose home is on section 4, South Palmyra Township, is the only surviving son of Micajah and Mary (Cherry) Tongate, and is therefore a half-brother of our subject. The history of his paternal ancestors has alread} - been given in brief. His mother was born in December, 1825, and accompanied her parents, William and Anna (Crawford) Cherry, to this State in 1833. They settled in this county and the parents died soon after. Miss Cherry received a good common- school education and for nine years was engaged in teaching in this Stale and Missouri. She aband- oned her profession in order to become the wife of UBHAKY «""VE«SITV OF ILUNQK PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 317 Mr. Tongate and immediately after their marriage tliey settled on the land the husband already owned. .She was somewhat of an invalid for twen- ty-two years luit was able to be up until within twenty-four hours of her death. She was a mem- ber of the Christian Church. William Tony-ate is living on the homestead and he is unmarried; his sister Hattie is his housekeeper, lie is a well-rc- specled young man, a good farmer and citizen, and a pleasant, companion. a APT. HENRY W. KERR. A gallant offi- , cer in the late Civil War, in which he won ' a fine military record, and afterward attain- ing a high reputation at the bar, Capt. Kerr has. since he turned his attention to agriculture, made a success at that vocation which Horace Greeley aptly styled the "noblest of professions," and now stands among the leading farmers of Honey Point Township. His portrait on the opposite page rep- resents one whose interests have long been identi- fied with those of the county. Capt. Kerr was born in Monroe Count}', Ky., January 11. 1836. His father, Abraham Kerr, was a native of Guilford Court House, N. C, and was a son of John Kerr, who was born in the same lo- cality. The name of the great-grandfather of our subject was Levi Kerr, and he was born in Vir- ginia of Welsh parentage. He removed to North Carolina in the early settlement of that colon}', and there spent the rest of his days as a farmer, dying at Guilford Court House at a ripe age. He was a soldier of the Revolution. John Kerr grew to man's estate in North Caro- lina, and was there married to Sarah Scott, who was also born in North Carolina. He learned the trades of a blacksmith and miller and carried them on in his native State until his removal to Kentucky in 1810. He became a pioneer of Monroe County, that State, buying a large tract of land bordering on a stream, which he named Kettle Creek because he found a kettle therein. He built a gristmill with a bolter operated by hand, and also had a dis- tillery connected with his mill. He served under Jackson in the War of 1812, and took part in the battle of New Orleans. His life was brought to a close in June 1848, at a venerable age; his wife; also lived to be very old, her death occurring in Mon- roe County in 1H70. at which time she was ninety- five years old. The father of our subject was young when his parents removed to Kentucky, and there the re- mainder of his youth was passed. He was married in Monroe County to Nancy Davis, a native of Rockingham Couuty,Va., and a daughter of Joshua and Sarah Davis, who were also Virginians. In 1843 Mr. Kerr determined to leave his old Ken- lucky home to try farming in Missouri. With his wife and seven children he started for his destina- tion with ox-teams, and cooked and camped at night while on the journey. He bought a tract of wild land in Dallas County after his arrival in Mis- souri, and erecting a log cabin for the shelter of his family, at once entered upon tho pioneer task of preparing his land for cultivation, and broke a good many acres and placed theni under tillage during his residence there. In September, 1847, he sold that property and coining to Macoupin County, settled in what is now Shaw's Point Township. At that time the settlements in this county were con- fined to the timber, and the prairie land was uncul- tivated. Wild animals, such as deer and wolves, were plentiful, and the country roundabout was still in the hands of the pioneers. Alton and St. Louis were the only convenient markets until the railway was completed. Wheat sold at the former place for thirty-seven and one-half cents a bushel, and dressed hogs so'.d at St. Louis at #1.50 to #2.50 per hundred pounds. In 1865 Mr. Kerr disposed of his farm at Shaw's Point, and took up his residence at Carlinville, where he lived until 1870. Removing then to Lovington, Moultrie County, he bought property, and there he and his good wife passed their remain- ing days in comfort and happiness, he dying in 1875 and she in 1877. Mr. Kerr was a sound Democrat in his political views. While a resident of Shaw's Point he served as Justice of the Peace a Dumber of years. Both he and his wife were 318 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. people of rare merit, who letl exemplary lives, and were devoted members of the Christian Church. The subject of this biographical review was seven years old when he accompanied his parents in their migration to Missouri and was twelve years of age when they retraced their steps East- ward and settled in this county. From the time that he was six years old he attended school in the winter and worked on the farm at other seasons until he was eighteen years old, when he started out in life for himself. He found employment on a farm, and being of a studious turn of mind lie devoted his spare time to his books, and when twenty -one taught one term of school. He was ambitious to prepare himself for a professional life, and selecting the law as best suited to his tastes, he entered the law office of Robert M. McWilli.-uns at Hillsboro. Under the instruction of that gentle- man he pursued his legal studies and in 1858 was admitted to the bar. On September 1, 1861, Capt. Kerr threw aside his law business to lake up the military profession, animated by the same patriotic spirit that had made his great-grandsire take up arms at the time of the Revolution and had caused his grandfather to become a soldier when war again broke out with England. He enlisted as a private in Company E, Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry, but was mustered in as Second Lieutenant. He displayed such excel- lent qualities as an officer that he was subsequently promoted to the position of First Lieutenant, and in that capacity commanded his company for some time before he was commissioned its captain. He took an active part in many important battles, in- cluding Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Little Rock and Tupelo, Miss., and accompanied Gen. Banks on his Red River expedition. He also served under Gen. A. J. Smith in Missouri while he was fighting Price's army. After the battle of Nashville Capt. Kerr was sent in charge of a detachment of soldiers to dis- lodge a party of bushwhackers that were stationed at the mouth of Sand Creek. He performed his difficult and dangerous task in an able and brilliant manner, and so as to win the commendations of his superiors for his coolness and skill in routing the enemy. That was the last battle in which he fought, and he was honorably discharged in Padu- cah, Ky., in 1865. In the fall of the year after his retirement from the army Capt. Kerr went to Savannah, Tenn., to practice law. In 1866 Parson Brownlow, then Governor of that State, appointed him Attorney- General for the Twelfth Tennessee Circuit, and he served with distinction in that responsible office for eighteen months during the trying period of reconstruction. He then resigned and returned to Illinois, and for a year resided in Carlinville. At the expiration of that time he adopted the calling of a farmer, and carried on operations in Bird Township for some years. In 1881 he sold his property there and bought his present farm on section 4, Honey Point Township. This is a fine, highly productive prairie farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and since it came into his posses- sion he has greatly increased its value by the many excellent improvements that he has made, includ- ing the substantial set of farm buildings which he has erected. Capt. Kerr was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Purvianee October 4, 1866. To them have been born eight children: Henry W. Jr., M. Cornie, Annie E., Jennie M., N. Blanche, Speed, John F. and James W. P. Mrs. Kerr is a native of this county, Polk Township her birthplace, and she is descended from the old pioneer stock of this State. Her father, Robert W. Purvianee, was born in Madison County, III., December 22, 1813. Her grandfather, William Purvianee, was a native of North Carolina. At an early date he removed from there to this part of the country then known as the Northwestern Territory, and located in what is now Troy Township, Madison County. Mrs. Kerr's father spent his early life in his native county, remaining there until 1838, when he started with his bride for Macoupin County, traveling thither with a team, and bringing all their house- hold goods with them. A few months prior to that he had entered a tract of land from the Govern- ment in Polk Township. He built a log cabin and and in that humble dwelling he and his young wife commenced housekeeping. He improved a good farm, and replaced his first home by a good frame house and erected other buildings. He resided PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 310 there for many yeais, but spent the last part of his life at Carlinville. where both he and his wife died. Her maiden name was Morinda Gaskill, and she was also bom in Madison County. Capt. Kerr has always been a stanch supporter of Republican principles, and since the war has voted with that party. His services as a soldier are commemorated by his connection with the Dan Mcssick Post, G. A. R. Socially, he is a member of Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. DWARD B. MEATYARD. The late Mr. Meatyard is well remembered by many citi- £i zens of this county, as he was born at Piasa and there spent the years until after he had grown to manhood. His natal day was February 13, 1839, and his parents were Robert and Betsey (Brown) Meatyard, who were natives of England. In his early boyhood Edward displayed the bent of his genius and he was educated as a civil engineer, making a thorough study of mechanics. At the death of his mother he inherited a large sum of money, and he was thus enabled to do more in the way of investigation and invention than is the case with some who possess an inventive genius. December 24, 1873, Mr. Meatyard was united in marriage with Miss Anna E. Boswell, daughter of John G. and Ann (Nightingale) Boswell, who live in Shipman Township. The bride was born in London, England, but was brought to the United States by her parents when an infant, and is to all intents and purposes a thorough American. She possesses an estimable character, a well-in formed mind, and much capability for affairs, so that since she was left a widow she has been able to look after her monied interests very satisfactorily. Her home is brightened by the presence of four children, named respectively: Maynard M.. James E., Bessie N., and Mina E. About four months after his marriage Mr. Meat- yard removed to Walworth County, Wis., and 322 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. fonnn the 18th of November, the vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of New Oilcans after a pleasant ocean voyage of eight weeks, and he went up the Mississippi to St. Louis, where he spent one day. Coming on to Alton and across the country to Gillespie, he has since made his home in Macoupin County. Mr. Eilers was united in marriage in this county with Miss Trientjc Goesmann. a native of Han- over, Germany, born June 24, 1842. In 1804 she came to this country landing in New York. By their union have been born nine children, eight of whom are still living — Tetteis now deceased; John resides in St. Louis, Mo.; Edward, William, Jo- hanna, Jurgen, Heye, Anna andTillieare at home. Mr. Eilers, his wife and children are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is independent, voting for the man whom he thinks will best fill the office, regardless of party affiliations. One of his chief characteristics is shown by the fact that during the four years he was working as a farm hand for M. W. Dorsey, he never lost but half a day. The same perseverance and fidelity to duty has marked his entire career, proving important factors in his success. "T^HOMAS W. TIIACKER is a gentleman v who has attained much prominence in the township in which he resides, because of his broad intelligence, liberal views, public-spirited measures and from the fact that in himself he is a dynamic force stirring others to profitable actions, lie is the owner and resident on a tine farm located on section 7, Nilwood Township and the thorough- ness that characterizes his dealings with mankind in every-day life is also seen in ever}' feature of his well-improved and finely-cultivated farm. Our subject is a son of '/.. Thacker of whom a sketch appears on another page of this volume. He was born in North Palmyra Township, Novem- ber 29, 1844, and was reared to manhood in Ma- coupin County, there receiving a good common- school education, after which lie attended Earlham 336 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. College at Richmond, Ind. He is also a graduate of Jones Commercial College of St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Thacker absorbed all the benefits that could be derived from college life and to-day his in- tellectuality and the advantages that he gained from his college life arc felt in his intercourse with his less favored brother farmers. The young man's sense of patriotism was fired when the call was made for volunteers to tight for the old flag. He entered the army August 10, 1862. joining Company H, of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Regiment, lie served from that time until August 1, 1865 when he was discharged at Springfield, III. That bloody period was im- pressed upon his mind indelibly by participation in some of the desperate engagements of the war. He was at Parker's Roads, Tenn., and at Paducah, Ky., also at Town Creek, Ala., Tupelo, Miss., Nashville, Tenn., and at Ft. Blakely, Ala. After the war was over and our subject had received his discharge he returned to bis father's home bis health being greatly impaired by the privations suffered in the war. On March 24, 1867 Mr. Thacker was married near Gi rani, 111., to Miss Julia A. Lynch, a daughter of the late Alfred and Elizabeth (Bristow) Lynch. The lady's family were among the first settlers in ibis section of the country, coming to this State at a very early day. They died in Girard Township. Mrs. Julia Thacker was born in Macoupin County, November 2, 1847 and here passed the early days of her childhood. After the marriage of the young couple they settled a little east of Girard and lived there for about five years after which they located on a farm where our subject now lives. He has improved his place greatly since his advent hither and has erected good buildings, having a pleasant home that is delightfully presided over by his cul- tured and amiable wife. For two years Mr. Thacker lived in Kansas, this change being made on ac- count of his health. He returned however to his farm where he has ever since lived. He now owns three hundred and eighty acres of good land, to which he unreservedly gives his attention. He en- gages in general farming and stock-raising. The original oi this sketch and his wife are the parents of six children, they are: Nola E. who is the wife of Joseph D. Francis; William W. Jennie, Julia 15., Thomas and John A. Logan. In the fall of 1890 Mr. Thacker was a candidate for County Treasurer on the Republican ticket. He was de- feated by his Democratic opponent, A. Frey. He has filled the office of Assessor, Collector and School Trustee. His symathics and vote is with the Re- publican party. He takes a great deal of interest in all local affairs, especially in those that promise material advancement to the locality. Socially Mr. Thacker is a member of Luke May Meld Post No. 516, G. A. R., of Girard. He is also a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity. Our subject and his wife are attendants and members of the Baptist Church, of which body he is Superintendent of the Sunday-school. »<*o..(^y><^Q}-o*>- (IX. JAMES B. WILSON, a sketch of whose parents appears on another page of this volume, is a resident farmer and stock breeder of this county, living in Carl- inville Township on section 20. He was born in New York City on the 25th of April, 1840, and was the second son of a family of ten children. When six years old he moved with his parents to Philadelphia, Pa., and three years later he accom- panied them to Southeastern Iowa, where the fol- lowing eleven years of his life were passed. When Hearing his majority bis father gave him the choice of one hundred and sixty acres of land or a class- ical education. To a brilliant young man of twen- ty who had already seen something of the world, a collegiate course was extremely attractive and with judgment rare in one of his age, he preferred to complete bis studies, going to Aurora, III., where he spent two years in a preparatory school and entered upon and completed a commercial course at Wyoming College, Pennsylvania. His thirst for knowledge led him to Hillsdale College, Mich- igan, where be consecrated all his energies to his studies for a period of two years. He wished then to study law, that with a honorable profession he might be able to obtain an independent support. Witli this object in view he entered the law office i/BRARY . Of THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINGI: gfrt-a^ VV> Jj^ t uJ^^~ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. :;:;:> of John E. Rosette in Springfield, this State, at that time United States District Attorney. In the meantime, his father, had changed his residence to Macoupin County and settled in Honey Point Township, whither after his sojourn in the capital city Mr. Wilson rested from his arduous studies. After spending a few months at home, lie improved a farm of eighty acres in the same township, living there some five years. His next move was the purchase of a tract of two hundred acres where he now resides. He is thoroughly familiar with all classes of high-grade stock, the breeding of such occupying the greater part of his time and care. Mr. Wilson was married in St. Louis to Miss Mary M. Eastham, a lady of culture and re- finement and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were three in number: Vir- gil D., Alice E., and Mattie L. Mrs. Wilson's death occurred in March, 1884. Mr. Wilson mar- ried in October, 1887, Miss Martha J. Eastham, a sister of his former wife. Mr. Wilson was selected to represent the consti- tuents in the district in which he lives, in the State legislature of Illinois, in the fall of 1886. He was the first clerk of Honey Point Township after its organization. He is identified with the interests of the Democratic party and has taken an active part in political questions of the day. •$s^3» ~»T*~ RANCIS LANCASTER. Among the Brit- ish-American citizens of Macoupin County, we are pleased to present to our readers the portrait and a sketch of the life of that genial and prominent resident of Bunker Hill Township, who is so well known in the county as Francis Lancas- ter. He is a successful and practical farmer and progressive stock-raiser, and lives on a fine farm located on sections 1, 2, and 12, of Bunker Hill Township. This tract comprises eight hundred acres, most of which is in a fine state of improve- ment. His handsome, two-story brick residence and his barns and other farm buildings, are located on section 1, and have been placed there by Mr. Lancaster. He has owned and lived on the home- stead since 1848, and procured most of the land when it was in its unbroken stale. Mr. Lancaster did not have a dollar of capital when he entered this county in 18-11, and has made his fortune out of the soil by the help of his pluck, push and perseverance. He came to the United States in 1841, voyaging on a three mast sailor, the ••Ontario," being on the ocean seven weeks and two days, and landing in New York City, March 7. It was three years later before he was able to send back for his wife and children whom he had left at the old home. He had, in the meanwhile, earned the money for their transportation, and to give them a suitable welcome in the new home. His wife has ever been a faithful and ellicient helpmate in his struggle for the attainment of a comfortable fortune. Our subject was born August 7, 1H 13, in Buck- inghamshire, England, and came of a good, old yeoman family, who were foi generations residents in that shire. It was there that the father and mother of our subject lived and died, passing away after they had both completed the limit of three- score years anfl ten. The father, Joseph Lancaster, was a brickniaker and fruit dealer by occupation, and the mother, Harriet (Downey) Lancaster, was also of an old English family. She became the mother of fourteen children, and four of her sons came to the United States, two of them now hav- ing died. Our subject learned the trade of a brickniaker, anil after he became of age, niarrieda wife in his native shire. She was Miss Elizabeth Collins, who was born in 1812 in the same shire; she was reared there by her parents who came of good old English stock, and who lived anil died in their native home. She followed her husband to this country, helped him to gain the splendid property which he owns today, and died at her home May 12, 1883. She was a woman of unusual intelligence and a lively Christian faith, which was shown forth in a life of unpretentious goodness. She was brought up in the church of England, and was always strongly attached to the Episcopal service. She was the mother of ten children, four of whom have passed to the other world. Frank died after 340 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his marriage, and the birth of his six children. His wife bore the maiden name of Caroline Hooker, and is now living in Kansas City, Mo. The others who died passed away when young. One was an infant unnamed, and the others were Harriet and Albert. Those who are living arc as follows: Will- iam, who took to wife Mary Hovey, and lives at Girard, where he is a farmer and stock-raiser; Elizabeth the wife of Henry Wise, a miller at Bunker Hill; Mary, the wife of Esop Barnes, a dentist of Girard; John, a farmer in Bunker Hill Township, who married Hannah Parmetcr; Matilda the wife of Joseph Barnes, a farmer of Sumner County. Kan.: the second son, Joseph, is a heavy stock dealer in St. Joseph, Mo., and married Miss Mary l'armeter. This valuable family stands high in the social and industrial circles of Macoupin County, and its members have done much to de- velop the resources of this section of the country. -€-*-§^— * NDREW J. CRl'M. Among the attractive farms anil homes of North Palmyra Town- Si ship, the traveler is sure to notice those belonging to the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. His property is located on section 20, and bears every mark of the hand of a thorough and systematic farmer, who takes pride not only in making his acres yield a profitable income but also in providing for his family and his stock, suitable and comfortable ac- commodations. The father of our subject, Joseph Crura, was born in Clark County, Ind., and his mother, Maria L. Burnett, was a Kentuckian. Their marriage took place in Macoupin County and they settled in North Palmyra Township at first but afterward removed to South Palmyra where they spent the remainder of their days. Their son Andrew was one of the older in a large family of children and was born in South Palmyra Township July 13, 1846, and there was reared to manhood. September 9, 1873, was the happy wedding day of Andrew J. Crum and Phoebe E. Allmond, daughter of Dr. R. J. and Ann G. (Talley) All- mond. For further historical facts in regard to the family of this well-known physician we recom- mend our readers to peruse the sketch of Dr. All- mond to be found upon another page of this volume. His daughter Phoebe had her nativity in Ohio, May 5, 1851. The young married couple settled at once in North Palmyra Township, and engaged in farming which they made their life business. They owned one hundred and eighty acres upon which they had erected a good house and made various sub- stantial improvements. They have been the par- ents of nine children, namely: Nellie M., Edwin \\\, Lee IS., Joseph R., Robert R., Golda T., Ola B., Carl C, and a baby whose name is Glen P. Two of the sons, Lee and Joseph, died in early childhood. The offices of Collector and School Director have been bestowed upon Mr. Crum. He takes an active part in political matters, his sympathies and vole being with the Democratic party. Religious move- ments find in this couple hearty support, and al- though they are not united in their church connec- tion they are in their sympathies id all good works, Mr. Crum being an active and efficient member of the Church of Christ and his wife a devoted worker in the Methodist Episcopal Chinch. This inter- esting family make a blight spot in the social and business life of the community in which they re- side, as they are universally esteemed and justly so. ^^WS?<^^ \f/OHN GELDER. One of the most successful farmers in Macoupin County and the owner of one of the most delightful homes in Yir- den, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. lie is the possessor of thirteen hundred and ninety five acres of splendid farming lands located in the counties of Macoupin, Sangamon, Montgomery and Christian. This property is di- vided into nine farms which are placed in the hands of responsible and efficient tenants. He was born in Chesterfield Township, this county, August II, 1837. His father, Thomas S. Gelder, was born on a farm near Snaith, Yorkshire, England, and was PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 341 the son of John Gelder, who was engaged in farm- ing in his native home until 1831. when accompan- ied by his wife and three of his Ave children, he emigrated to America and located in Chesterfield Township on a farm adjoining his son's, where he died at a ripe old age. His son Thomas had pre- ceded him to this country. John Gelder, Sr., pro- ceded at. once to build a home and his log cabin was at the time of its construetio n the largest log binding in the county with the exception of the court house. He died. December 20, 1851, having passed his three-score years and ten. His wife, and the grandmother of our subject, bore the mai- den name of Elizabeth Shearburn. She was born in England, and died in Chesterfield Township March 24, 1847. Both she and her husband were members of the Church of England, and after com- ing to this country assisted in organizing the Epis- copal church at Chesterfield, of which John Gelder was Warden from its organization to the date of his death. The father of our subject secured his early edu- cation in his native shire in England, attending the common parish schools and also a boarding school at Whiston. He emigrated to America in 1830, landing at Baltimore July 16. He reached Greene County, 111., in November of that year and the following summer he enlisted in the army for service in the Black Hawk War. Soon after his re- turn, to Carrollton. Captain Gelder had the pleasure of welcoming his parents and the other members of his family. He was shortly afterward naturalized and was the first person of foreign birth to make application for citizenship after the organization of of Macoupin County. The first wife of Thomas S. Gelder was Ann Quarton. a daughter of Thomas and Lydia (Juar- ton, of Yorkshire, England. By this marriage there were nine children, five of whom are living. Our subject, Elizabeth Ann, the wife of Lewis Ter- rel, of Jersey County; Mary Frances, wife of Charles Lewis; Sarah KUen, now Mrs. F. W. Shear- bum, and Clara, who married Peter J. Randolph, of Morrisonville, Christian County. The mother of these children died, December 12, 1855, at the age of forty years. Mr. Gelder's second marriage occured May 14, 1857, to Ruth Louisa Chapin, daughter of Daniel Chapin. She was born at Newport, N. IL, and was a lady of more than ordi- nary culture and refinement. She was a mem- ber of the first class which graduated from Monti- cello Seminary, and was for seven years a teacher in that institution. C'apt. Gelder had the honor of voting twice for Abraham Lincoln, with whom he was on terms of personal acquaintance, and with whom he served in the Black Hawk War. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gelder have passed away, his death occurring November 25, 1881. John Gelder commenced when very young to assist upon the farm but was also given the best advantages for obtaining an education. He first attended the pioneer schools which were taught in a log school house, the benches upon which he sat being slabs with pin legs. At one end a board was placed against the wall, and served as a desk for the larger scholars, lie advanced his education by attendance at Chesterfield Seminary and enjoyed for two years, the privileges of ShurtleS College. After leaving college he spent fourteen months in Europe, traveling in England, Holland, Belgium and France, visiting during 1862 and 1863 all the principal places of interest in these countries. Re- turning home in 1863 he went to farming in Ches- terfield Township. The marriage of John Gelder and Clara Tolman, daughter of James Toliuan of Macoupin Count}-, took place September 11, 1866. The mother of Mrs. Gelder bore the maiden name of Nancy B. Lor- ton. After maniagethe young couple mover! to the farm which they now occupy, which is a fine tract of one hundred and fort}* acres. Five chil- dren have blessed their union, namely, Tolman T., Charles C, Stella J., Edgar E. and Edith. Tolman is a graduate of Virden High School, and further carried on his education at the Illinois State Uni- versity at Champaign. After this, he entered the Law Department of the State University ai Ann Arbor, and was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-one years at Lansing, Mich. He is now associated with ex-Gov. Hamilton of Chicago. Charles C. is a clerk in the wholesale house of Wil- son Bros., of Chicago, in the line of gentlemen's furnishing goods. The three younger children are still carrying on their education. They, with their 342 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. parents. spent several months in Europe in 1890. They visited Antwerp, Bru-sels, Cologne, Weisha den, Frankfort- on-the- Main, Heidelburg, Straus burg, Paris; and in England, Brighton, London, York, Liverpool; and crossing into Scotland, the cities of Glasgow and Edinburg. Mr. Gelder is a Republican in politics and always takes an interest in public affairs. He has served for twelve years as School Trustee, and for two terms as a member of the County Board of Supervisors. His lands in Sangamon, Montgomery and Christian Counties, he bought unimproved, and they now form fine and valuable farms. Those in Christian are situated near Ilarvel, on the Wabash railway. His home has recently been re-built and is now in the best modern style of architecture and adornment. — ~g-*$*-2~- ylLLIAMG. BARTELS. President of the Carlinville Coal and Mining Company, is a native of Carlinville and has from his early manhood been engaged in business here. He was born March 20, 1858, and received his early education in the public schools. At the age of sixteen he entered Blackburn University at Carlin- ville, where he carried on an advanced course of study. After leaving school he worked at the carpenter's trade with his father until 1871, then assumed supervision of the work at the South Car- linville coal shaft, of which his father was propri- etor. Since 1883 he has had full charge of the business. As the patronymic indicates, the paternal ances- tors of our subject came from Germany. His father and grandfather each bore the name of Henry and were born in Brunswick. The grand- father served in the army of the Empire eight years and with that exception devoted his mature life to the carpenter's trade. The father of our sub- ject was the only member of the family who flame to America. He attended school steadily until he was fourteen years old and then began to learn the trade vvith his father. In 1854 he decided to seek a home in the New World and in October set sail from Bremen, landing at New Orleans six weeks .later. He came up to St. Louis, spent a month there, and then came to Carlinville and began work at his trade. Mr. Bartels had left his family in Germany in- tending if he did not like America to return to that country. But being pleased with the pros- pects here he sent for Ihem and was joined by his wife and four children about a twelvemonth after his own arrival. He bought a residence and has continued to live in Carlinville. He followed his trade some lime and during those years bought thirty acres of land in the city limits and in 1870 opened a coal mine, which he personally superin- tended some years. For a few years past he has been living in retirement, enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. He is advanced in years, having been born April 18, 1816. The lady who became his wife in 1847 was born February 7, 1820, in the same locality as he, and bore the maiden name of Minnie Larke. William G. Bartels and Emma Singelman were united in marriage September 13,1883. The bride's parents, Henry and Louisa Singelman, are natives of Germany, and were early settlers in Carlinville. Mrs. Bartels was born here, received a good educa- tion and careful attention from her parents. To her and her husband three children have come, who are named respectively: Eda, Leonora and Leila. Mr. Bartels has served as Collector of Car- linsville Township and represented the Second Ward in the City Council two years. Politically, he is a Republican. The family, including his par- ents, belong to the Evangelical Church. They are classed among the best citizens and have many friends. EI^M- f Elizabeth Wagner, who is a native of Madison County, HI. They first settled in Hilyani Township, and afterward removed to Polk Township, where they ended their days, Mrs. Witt dying in 1877 and her hus- band in July, 1888. They had two children, Dan- iel E. and James T. The subject of this sketch was born in Polk Township, this county, July 12, 1857. Here he grew to manhood and received thorough training in farm duties and the benefit of a common school education. His native township has been his resi- dence through life and he has followed farming as a vocation and now owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land. Mr. Witt was married at Carlinville, III.. Octo- ber 11, 1877, to Miss Martha E. Stewart, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Barnes) Stewart. The father was born in Tennessee and the mother is a native of the Prairie State. She died in Honey Point Township in April, 1884. Mrs. Witt who was the fourth in a family of seven children, was born in Morgan County, 111.. November 20, 1858. Three children have come to bless the home of our subject, James R., William E. and Grover C. The name of the youngest son of this family tells the story of the father's political preferences, as can easily be seen his convictions have led him into the Democratic party with which he votes and works. His fellow-citizens have placed him in the position of Supervisor of Polk Township, in which office he began to serve in the spring of 1890. AMES TUCKER, who is engaged in gen- eral farming and stock-raising on section 16, Brighton Township, is a native of Eng- land, born in Somersetshire, on the 15th of March, 1846, and the only son of James and Betsy (Browning) Tucker, who were also natives of Somersetshire, and came of pure English stock, their ancestors having for generations resided in that locality. In the county of their nativity they were reared and James Tucker became a mason, following that occupation until his death. He died when a young man only a few months after his marriage and before the birth of their only child, our subject. His widow was afterward again mar- ried in her native county to William Eddmgton who was also born and grew to manhood in Somer- setshire. Soon after their nuptials were celebrated and when our subject was only a year old, Mr. am Mrs. Eddingtou crossed the Atlantic to the United States and came on at once to Macoupin County, 111., locating in Brighton Township, where the deatl of Mr. Eddingtou occurred when in the prime of life. Mrs. Eddington was a third time married to a brother of her second husband, Samuel Edding- ton, who after some years also passed away. She survived him until she had attained the age of fifty-eight years. By her second marriage she hac three children and unto the last union were bori five children. The mother and her family were all Methodists and she was a lady of many excel- lencies of character. James Tucker, whose name heads this sketch, has practically spent his entire life in this county where his education was acquired in the public PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 345 schools which lie attended (luring llic winter months, working upon the farm during the remain- der of the year. After he had attained to years of maturity he was united in man iage with Miss Anna Lee, who was born in this county in 1857, and here passed the days of her girlhood, while she too was educated in the common schools. She is the. second daughter and third child of Joseph Lee, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Tucker has been given an inter- esting family, numbering six children, three sons and three daughters, as follows: Allen E., James, Betsy, Mary, Emma and Joseph F. The family circle still remains unbroken and all are yet under the parental roof. The farm upon which Mr. Tucker now resides has been his home for two years. It comprises one hundred and fifty-nine acres of valuable land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. It is well supplied with good build- ings for the care and shelter of his stock. The fields are well tilled and the place presents a neat appearance which indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner. The slock which he raises is all of good giades, no inferior animals being seen upon the farm and he may well be numbered among the leading agriculturists of (he community. In poli- tics he is a stalwart Republican and is a stanch ad- vocate of the principles which he has long support- ed and upheld by his ballot. Mr. Tucker and his wife attend the Episcopal Church. OHX B. MASTERS is a descendant of son>e of the earliest pioneer families of Illinois, and is one of the native-born citizens of this State who lias materially assisted in its agri cultural development. For many years he was actively identified with the farmers of this county, "owning and managing very profitably a large and well-improved farm. January 8, 1825, is the date of the birth of our subject in the pioneer home of his parents, fifteen miles northeast of the city of Jacksonville, in Morgan County. His father was William I. Masters, a native of South Carolina whose father is thought to have been bom in Wales or to have been a native of this country, but of Welsh parentage. He spent his last years in the Palmetto State, after having served faithfully as a soldier during the Revolution. William I. Masters grew to manhood in his na- tive State, and when about twenty-five years of age emigrated to Illinois in 1817 in the Territorial days of the State, accompanying a neighboring fam- ily hither, the removal being made with a team. He first settled for a time in Sangamon County, but after marriage took up his abode on a forty- acre tract of Government land in Morgan County. Someone unknown to him entered the land, and being thus deprived of his claim in 1827 he lo- cated on Government land that lay on both sides of the line between Morgan and Macoupin Counties. That part of his homestead in this county was situ- ated in what is now North Palmyra Township and he was one of the pioneer settlers of this section, building a log house on the Morgan County side of the line. Not a nail entered into the construc- tion of that dwelling, and he rived the shingles by hand for the roof, hewed puncheon for a floor, split boards for the door, which was provided with wooden hinges, and the chimney was made with sticks and mud. At that time the people were home-livers, subsisting on the products of their farms. The father of our subject raised sheep and also planted flax and hemp, and the mother used to card, spin and weave the wool and the fibre of the flax and hemp to make cloth for garments for her children. There were no railways in this part of the country for years, and for some time the father of our subject used to market his grain at St. Louis with ox-teams. His busy life was terminated by his death on his homestead in 1840. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Nancy Jones, and she was a native of Kentucky. Her father, Clayborn Jones, was also a native of that State and was of Welsh descent. In the year 1800 he emigrated from his old home to the wilds of that part of the Northwestern Territory now embraced in Illinois, and was one of the first perm- anent settlers of the commonwealth. He secured a tract of timber land fifteen miles west of Spring- field and resided upon it until his demise in 1840, 346 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. li is wife also flying there. The mother of our sub- ject died on the home farm on the county line, 1838. The parents of our subject reared four children, named as follows: Bets}', John B., Melissa and Phebe Ann. They were young when their parents died, and as John was the only son the care of his sisters devolved upon him and nobly did he shoulder his burden, supporting himself and them by working out by the month. In the fall of 1845 he went to Southwestern Missouri and renting land put in a crop in the spring of 1846. He soon sold his crop and returning to Illinois worked for a time near Carlinville. We next hear of him at Shaw's Point Township, where he was employed by the month for two years, and during that time saved money enough to buy a team. After that he was enabled to enter eighty acres of land on section 2, Honey Point Township. He built a small frame house thereon, and resided there three years. Meanwhile he bought other land adjoining his first purchase and erected a dwelling on the line be- tween Honey Point and Shaw's l'oint, the house lying in both townships. As there were not people enough between his residence and Litchfield to or- ganize a school district he decided to declare Honey Point Township his residence instead of Shaw's Point Township on account of its superior educa- tional facilities. He has been very successful as a farmer and at one time owned five hundred acres of fine land, a part of which he has since deeded to his children. In 1891 he bought a residence at Carlinville, and now lives retired from active labor, enjoying an income ample for all his wants. May 3, 1846, our subject took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Nancy Sims, a daughter of James and Margaret (Robinson) Sims, and a native of this county, born April 3, 1826. The following are the children that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Masters: James and John, dow de- ceased; Melissa A., wife of Andrew Robinson, of Honey Point; Telitha M. and Margaret, both of whom are deceased; Charles, a resident of Shaw's Point Township; Emma, deceased; Kattie and. Myrta who are at home; Philui Jane, wife of Dr. Buttington, of Atwater, and Henry I. who lives in Honey Point Township. Mr. Masters is a man of self-respecting character, is well dowered wilii those qualities necessary to success in life and to secure the confidence of others and no one is more deserving of trust and esteem than he. His fellow-citizens have recognized his worth and capability, and have called him to im- portant offices. He served many years as School Director and Highway Commissioner and repre- sented Honey Point Township on the County Board of Supervisors at the time the county debt was funded. His political sentiments are in accord with the policy of the Democratic party. II ARLES TOWSE, a resident of Bird Town- ship and a brother of the Hon. W. A. Towse, is a son of Simpson Towse, an Englishman from Yorkshire. The mother of these gentlemen was Ann Kettlewood, who was also a native of the same shire, where she was born in 1799. When they emigrated to America in 1850 they first made their home in Oriskany, N. Y., where they lived about two years and in 1853 came to Illinois and settled in Macoupin County. They lived in Ches- terfield and Bird Townships. Mrs. Towse was bereaved of her husband in the fall of 1865 and she lived until January 14, 1886, when her days ended in Western Mound Township. They had a fine family of nine children who were born in Eng- land, seven sons and two daughters. The subject of this sketch was the sixth in order of age. His birth look place in Yorkshire, England, February 24, 1834. Charles Towse passed his boyhood days on a farm in Yorkshire, and came with his parents to America. He continued with them until he mar- ried in Macoupin Count)-, when he made his home in this county and resided here from that day to this. He has always followed agricultural pursuits anil now owns three hundred and ninety acres. I' pon this property is erected an attractive and commodious home and good farm buildings, in- cluding large barns. February 22, 1859, was the wedding day of Mr. Towse and Miss Louisa Dews, a daughter of ilBRART Of THE UNfVtRSITy OF ILUNOir WZJ^tf 7&U*( PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 349 John and Sylvia (Morris) Dews. The marriage took place in Western Mound Township where the bride resided. The father was born in Yorkshire, England, and the mother was also a native of that Island. They both came to this country when young and were married in Alton, III. They made their home in Western Mound Township for many years and there Mr. Dews passed away from earth. His widow who survives is making her home with her children by whom she is truly honored and cherished. Of a large family of nine children, Mrs. Towse was the second. She was born in Western Mound Township, December 9, 1840. The first home of this young wedded couple was in that township. After a residence there of seven years they came to Bird Township, where they have since resided. Seven children crown this union, namely: Selina A., Albert W., John D., Annette, Lillie M., Abiah S. and Annie E. Selina is now the wife of Wil- man E. Haley, and Annette is Mrs. Leonard E. Leach, while Albert has married Miss Ella M. Hun- ter. The father of this family has ever taken a deep interest in educational matters and is now serving on the School Board. He has always act- ively promoted all efforts to improve the district schools. His political views and his vote are with the Republican part}-. Both he and his good wife are earnest and efficient members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and they have ever contributed liberally in all church affairs. ^W-fE^^^ v ETER E. AHRENS, senior member of the j|i firm of Ahrens Bros., lumber dealers of Staunton, and a representative of one of the early families of the county, was born in the city which is yet his home January 25, 1804, lie is a son of John M. Ahrens, a pioneer merchant and prominent citizen, who is now living a retired life. He was carefully reared, and in the common schools began his education, which was completed in the commercial department of the college of Warrentown, Mo. He was graduated in the Class of '80, when sixteen years of age and carried off m cond honors. Since that time Mr. Ahrens has been actively en- gaged in business and is now at the head of the oldest and largest lumber interest of Staunton. His father established a lumber yard in 18C7, the first in the place and operated it on his own account un- til 1883, when he associated with him his sons, J. C. and P. F. Together they carried on operations un- der the firm name of John M. Ahrens & Sons for a short time, when the father and J. C. established a yard in Worden, Madison County, of which the lat- ter had the management and soon became sole pro- prietor. He sold out in 1887, and is now doing a good business in the same line in Rivenjale III. From 1884, until October, 1887, the father and our subject was associated in the management of the yard at Staunton, but at the last-named date John Ahrens withdrew and a partnership was formed be- tween the brothers P. E. and A. E. which has con- tinued to the present. This yard has every little opposition. One firm which established business was bought in 1881, and another in 1885, eacli having existed only a short time. The present business of Ahrens Bros, is located on the half block of which they became owners ftt the lime of their first purchase in 1881. They are dealers in all kinds of pine lumber for house-building purposes and all other building materials. In St. Louis, Mo., May 1G, 1890, Mr. Ahrens was married to Miss Gertrude Jacobs, who was born in La Grange, Mo., in 1869. When quite young she removed to St. Louis with her parents who are still living in that city, and there she was educated and grew to womanhood, remaining under the par- ental roof until her marriage. The young couple take a prominent part in social and religious inter- ests. They are both active members of the Pres- byterian Church, in which Mr. Ahrens now holds the office of Elder and Sunday-school Superinten- dent, having filled the latter position for eight years. He is one of the leading business men of Staunton and in connection with the interests be- fore mentioned he is the present Secretary of the Retail Lumber Association which was organized in Springfield in June, 1890, he being one of the prime movers of the affair. For two years previous he 350 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. had beeu a Director of the National Association of Lumber Dealers. One of the public spirited and progressive young men of this community, he man- ifests a commendable interest in all things pertain- ing to its good, and is a worthy and valued citizen The attention of the reader is invited to a litho- graphic portrait of Mr. Ahrens, presented in con- nection witli his biographical sketch. — -i-+-£=^*^=4-«~*— \/\ RS. ELIZABETH SHUTT, one of the most prominent, wealthy and influential women h of Yirden Township, resides on section 2, where her excellent farm and pleasant home are an attractive spot to every passer-by. Her business ability and true womanliness, added to her neighborly kindness and hospitality, give to her a popularity which is broad and enduring. Her father was the late Thomas Baldwin, a native of Ohio, and her mother bore the maiden name of Anna Stonebrakep, and was also a native of Ohio, where she was united in marriage to Mr. Baldwin. After marriage this couple settled in Montgomery County, Ind.. but early in the '50s they left that State and emigrated to Illinois, where they settled in Greene County, for four years. They then re- moved to Sangamon County, where they spent the remainder of their earthly career. Elizabeth Baldwin was the third child in a fam- ily of five sons and five daughters, and was born in Montgomery County, Ind., July 21, 1834. She came to Illinois with her parents and here met the gentleman to whom she was afterward united in marriage. She was married in Carlinville, III., April 10, 1856, to John II. Shutt, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (_ Wagner) Shutt, who were murried in Kentucky, and emigrated to Illinois, settling in Sangamon County. They made their home in San- gamon County until the death of Jacob Shutt and somewhat later his bereaved widow passed away while visiting a daughter in Yirden. John H. Shutt was born in Kentucky, January 29, 1822, and was seven years old when his parents emigrated to Illinois. Being so young at that time he called himself a thorough Illinoisian, as he here received his education and training for life's du- ties. After his marriage he resided for several months in Sangamon County, and then removed to Macoupin County, making his home where his widow now resides, on section 2. Virden Township. Here he was actively engaged in farming until his death, which occurred April 1, 1872. Mrs. Shutt is the mother of seven children, all of whom are living and have taken their places with credit in the community. They are as follows: Eliza A., who is the wife of John A. Lotion; Will- iam A.; George W., who took to wife Ettie Huston; Elizabeth J., who is the wife of Calvin E. Stowe: John E., who married Miss Martha J. Woodman; Sarah F., who is the wife of Henry Knoll, and Thomas J. This estimable lady, is, with the assistance of her unmarried sons, carrying on the farm to the best advantage, and she has kept it in excellent condition since it has come into her hands. Upon it she has a fine set of farm build- ings. Her home is delightful, and within its walls she exercises the graces of hospitality. The barns and outbuildings are finely adapted to farm pur- poses and her stock is in a good condition and well cared for. Her sons are carrying out well the fine reputation which was left them as a heritage by their father, a reputation for integrity, fair dealing, and reliability. -£g*S* ON. WATSON A. TO WSE, who resides on section 2, Polk Township, is one of the prominent and honored residents of Macou- lfe>) pin County. For the history of his parents and ancestry the reader will kindly consult the sketch of his brother, Charles Towse, which ap- pears in this Record. This son was the youngest of his father's family and was born in Yorkshire, England, November 2, 1843. He was but a little lad of seven years when his parents emigrated to America and he was nine years old when he made his entrance into this country. Here he grew to manhood and became one of the favorite sons of that section. Like many another adapted son of America, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 351 young Towse sprang to the help of the Union flag when it was assailed, and enlisted October 27, 1861, in Company C, Thirty-second Illinois Infantry. He served three years under the stars and stripes, and took active part in the following engagements: Pittsburg Landing, siege of Corinth, siege of Vicksburg and Atlanta. At Pittsburg Landing he was severely wounded in the left knee. At Vicks- burg he received in his left arm a bullet which still remains. At Nickajaek, Ga., he was wounded by a shell in the left hip. He was detailed for quite a long time as Ward Master in the Overton Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. When he was mus- tered out of the service he returned to his old home in Bird Township. Experience in the field of war, only made this young hero appreciate more keenly the J03'S of home life, and he now decided to establish a home of his own. He chose as his wife Miss Ann M or foot, daughter of Richard and Isabella Mor- foot, both natives of Yorkshire, England, in which section of the British Isles the lady herself was born. The marriage took place on May 27, 1867. After marriage the young couple made their home on section 2, Polk Township, where they have since continued in the pursuit of agriculture, making permanent and valuable improvements on the farm. Mr. Towse had always been truly interested in State as well as local political movements and has cultivated a broad outlook upon the affairs of the State and Nation. He had often been called to serve i;i local offices of trust and in the fall of 1888 he was elected to the Illinois State Legisla- ture, where he served for the full terra. He has held the office of Supervisor of Polk Township, for several years, being Chairman, of the County Board of Supervisors for two terms; also Justice of the Peace, which office he still holds. He has also acted as Assessor and Collector, and ever since leaving the army has taken an active part in political affairs, being a member of the Republican party and having for some time belonged to the County Central Committee of that part)-. He is identified with the Grand Array of the Republic and is also a mem- ber of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. He is wide awake to the necessity of promoting the interests of the farming community and takes great pride in his farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Take him all in all he is one of the most thor- oughly representative men of Macoupin County and with his intelligent and amiable wife isapower in the community. They are earnest and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he has filled important offices. APT. JOSEPH F. BALLINGER, now deceased, was born January 11, 1812, Gar- J JJ raid County, Ky., and died at his home in Brighton, on the 16th of February, 1882. He was one of the leading citizens of the community and a man held in high esteem by all who knew him. In the State of his nativity he was reared to manhood, the days of his boyhood and youth being passed in the usual manner of farmer lads. During the summer season lie worked upon the farm and in the winter he attended school. When twenty- seven years of age he left Kentucky ami came to Illinois, being accompanied by his father, Henry Ballinger. They resided in Fayette, 111., where the death of the father later occurred. The Cap- tain went to Greene County, 111., where he became acquainted with and wedded Miss Mary F. Peter, who was born in Newcastle, Ky., June 28, 1823. For mention of her family see the sketch of Daniel Blodgett on another page of this work. When a child of eight summers she was brought by her parents to Illinois, the family locating-in Godfrey, Madison County, where they resided for ten years and then removed to a farm in Greene County. Captain and Mrs. Ballinger began their domestic life on a farm near Dover, Greene County, where they resided for many years, so developing ami improving their one hundred and sixty acres until it was called one of the finest farms in that county. At length, having acquired through his individual efforts and the assistance of his estimable wife a comfortable competence, C'apt. Ballinger resolved to lay aside business cares and in the fall of 1875 they went, to Brighton, where he lived in quiet retirement, enjoying the fruits of his labors until 352 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. called to the home beyond. Many friends mourned 1 1 is loss and in ti is death the county lost one of its best citizens, the church a faithful member and his wife a loving and tender husband. He was prom- inent in public affairs and in politics supported the Wiiig party until its dissolution, when he became an advocate of Demociatic principles. He was a consistent and faithful member of the Christian Church and it was his daily endeavor to follow in the footsteps of the Master. He won his title while serving in the home militia in Kentucky, being commissioned Captain by Gov. French ami his rank was afterward recognized on account of his proficient skill and faithful service as one of the Home Militia in Illinois. Mrs. Ballinger still survives her husband and yet resides in Brighton in the pleasant home left her by the Captain. The properly which lie ac- quired informer years is amply sufficient to supply all her wants. She loo is a member of the Chris- tian Church and is a noble woman whom all esteem for her many excellencies of character. Generous and free-hearted, charitable and benevolent, she has won many friends. #>^ -V- p^ERRIN J) County ■r Ihroiiiji ^p%ERRIN KENT, an old settler of Macoupin ty who is well and favorably known ;hout Virden Township, had his i a- tivity in Stock Township. Harrison County, Ohio, February 3, 1835. His father, so far as is known, was. a native of the same Stale, and thc- grandfather, Absalom, (a native of Pennsylvania) was one of the pioneers of Ohio, who resided upon a farm in that State for many years. From there he came to Illinois about the year 1830, and set- tling in Macoupin County, bought land west of Carlinville. He was very successful in the conduct of his affairs and eventually owned large tracts of land in different parts of the county. After the death of his beloved and faithful wife he made his residence with his children and his last days were passed in Chesterfield. The father of our subject received his early ed- ucation and training in Ohio, and resided there for several years after his marriage. It was in 1 838, when accompanied by his wife and five child- ren, he came to Illinois, traveling by way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. He located first in Knox County, 111., and lived there for two years before coming to Macoupin County. He became one of the first settlers of Virden Township, mak- ing his home upon a tract of land given him by his father on section 1 8. At the time of this settlement the country was sparsely settled and deer and other kinds of wild game abounded, and where Girard and Virden now stand the land was owned hy the Government. He improved his farm and resided upon it until about the year 1863, when he sold this property and bought land in North Otter Township, where he resided until called hence by death. His wife's maiden name was Diana Hevlin. She was of Ohio parentage and birth, her father being Isaac Hevlin. She died on the home farm in Virden Township, leaving her family to greatly mourn her loss as her faithful devotion and loveliness ef character had greatly impressed her life upon theirs. When three years old Perrin Kent first came to ' Illinois with his parents and although he was only five years of age when he first saw Macoupin County he remembers well the incidents of pioneer life here. He received the education granted in the pioneer schools and the faithful home training of the domestic circles, and resided under the par- ental roof until he reached the age of eighteen after which he traveled for awhile. In 18G3 he settled upon the farm which lie now owns upon section 18, Virden Township. In 1800 Mr. Kent was happily united in marriage with Martha A. Writers who was born in Jessa- mine County, Ky., and is a daughter of Noble P.. and Elizabeth (Davis) Walters, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively, who came to Illinois about the year 1845. They settled in Sangamon County, making their residence there for some 3'ears. The father died while on business in Mc- Lean County, Illinois. The mother passed- away after coming to Virden Township. Of the child- ren who came to share the love and care of Mr. and Mrs. Kent two only are living, Noble A. and Willie. Our subject is truly interested in national RESIDENCE OF JOHN G. H AGLER , SEC16. .NORTH OTTER TR, MACOUPIN CO., ILL. & *$mt RESIDENCE OF PERRIN KENT , SEC. 18. ,VI RDEN TR , M ACOU PI N CO., ILL. >'.> UBRAflV OF T«? tlV'VERSITY OF ILL PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 355 affairs ami keeps himself well informed in regard to political movements. Mis convictions have led him to ally himself with the Republican party with whom he casts his vote and influence. A view of Mr. Kent's attractive home is shown in connection with his biographical sketch. •- ^fl JOSEPH LINK, M. D., is a young physician of undoubted talent and liberal education who has already acquired a high reputation among his patients in C'arlinville, where he is located, and elsewhere, for his skill and success in combating the various diseases to which man- kind is heir. He is a native of this county, son of John Joseph Link, a well-known resident of this city, who was for many years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county, but is now living in retirement, though he still retains his faun. The father of our subject was born in Baden, Germany, May 3, 1824, a son of John Lorenz Link, who was a native of the same country as himself. His father, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a farmer and spent his entire life in the Fatherland. The grandfather of our subject was reared on a farm. At the age of seventeen he was pressed into the army, and served under Napo- leon I. He also passed his whole life in Ger- many, giving his attention to farming after he left the army. The maiden name of his wife was Annie Mary Mussig, and she was also a life-Jong resident of Germany. She was the mother of five children — Frank, John J., Maggie, Ann Mar}' and Lorenz. The father of our subject and his sister Mary were the only members of the family to come to America. The former was reared in the land of his nativity and in the German schools received an excellent education. After he left school he devoted his time to farm labor. He was ambitious to see something of the world, and desirous to avail himself of the many superior advantages of- fered to capable, energetic, self-reliant young men by the fertile soil and genial climate of the West- ern prairies of the United States, he therefore set sail in May, 1854, from Havre for this land of promise, and landed at New York on our Na- tional holiday, forty-four days later. He immedi- ately made his way to Illinois, and after staying two weeks in Chicago, he came to this county. When he arrived he found himself a stranger in a strange land with no money in his pockets. But he was willing and able to work, and he at once procured employment on a farm at $1.25 a day during the harvest season. After that he had to content himself with ¥1 2 a month, but even with those small wages he managed to save money enough to become independent, as he was frugal and prudent, and in time he was able to buy one hundred acres of good land in Honey Point Town- ship at $25 an acre. There was a small house and stable on the place and fifty acres of land were under tillage. Busy years of persistent and well- directed toil followed, in which he made many valuable improvements, so that his farm became a fine piece of property. He made it his dwelling- place until 1889, when he rented it on good terms, and coming to Carlinville, has lived in retirement in this city ever since. He bought a home, pleas- antly located on the corner of Pine and Plum Streets. It is a commodious brick house, and here he enjoys all the comforts of life, free from care and labor. The parents of our subject were married in 1859. His mother bore the maiden name of Kate Roelher. She was born in Bavaria, and was a young lady when she came to America. She is the mother of the following children: Adam, a resident of Litchfield; John, who lives at Carlin- ville; August J., a resilient of Chicago; 1' rank J., who carries on the drug business in Chicago; Laurenz, a resident of Carlinville; William, a resi- dent of St. Louis; Alois ami Clara, twins, living at home with their parents; Albert and Anthony, also at home, the four latter attending school; and Maggie, who died at the age of one year-. 374 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Dr. Link was given fine advantages for a sound education and received his early instruction in the public schools of his native township. He subsequently pursued a thorough course of study at the Wesleyan Seminary at Bloomington, where he laid a solid foundation for his professional studies. He began to read medicine at the age of eighteen, with Dr. Long as his preceptor. He made a rapid advance in Ii is pursuit of knowledge ami in due time entered the Chicago Medical Col- lege, from which institution he was graduated with a good rank for scholarship in 1890. After graduation lie opened an office at Carlinville, and is steadily gaining a lucrative practice,- applying himself closely to his professional duties, still find- ing opportunity to keep himself well informed on cut rent medical topics, keeping abreast of the times as to new methods of treatment, and win- ing golden opinions from his older medical breth- ren. On the 10th of June, 1891, Dr. Link was married to Miss Lina M. Michel, of St. Louis. •-**• .$S^- !>HOMAS J. TURNER. It is a truism that early observation and discipline make so indelible an impression on the after life as to give it its whole tone. Our subject, who is a farmer, owning and residing on one hundred and twenty acres on section 1 1, North Otter Township, was born and reared on a farm in England, where agriculture is carried on as a science, and the earth is made to yield the fullest possible amount. Al- though he left his native land while yet a lad, the aspect of the home farms and their methods of cul- tivation he brought with him to this country, and his own farm bears evidence of his early impres- sion. Our subject's father was Thomas Turner, who was born in Yorkshire, England. His mother was Mary Ann (Sampson) Turner, born in the town of Hull, Yorkshire, England. Mrs. Turner, our sub- ject's mother, died in her native shire about 1851, and her husband afterward married a sister of his first wife, by name Charlotte Sampson. The father with his famil}' emigrated to America in June, 18(35, with the intention of remaining, but he either experienced unusual difficulty in becoming acclima- ted or was suffering from some incipient disease, and because of illness he returned with his wife the following October to his native land, where they remained until their death, he passing away in July, 1884. His wife, Charlotte Turner, died July 9, about 1875. Our subject's father was a farmer by occupation and his children were brought up with a knowledge of that calling. There were five children by the first marriage. Our subject was the youngest child, being born in Yorkshire, England, July 22, 1849, and remaining there until fourteen years of age, at which time he came to this country with his par- ents. He remained in this county after his par. ents returned to England, making his home with the late Capt. Gelder, in Chesterfield Township for a period of two years. At that time he came to Virden Township and lived for one year with John Gelder. In the spring of 1868 Mr. Turner rented some land in Sangamon County. Here he remained for one year and then in company with his brother William Turner, rented some land three miles from his present location. After this he paid a visit to his parents and friends in England, remaining dur- ing the winter of 1871-72. He returned in the spring of 1872, and has ever since been a resident of North Otter Township with the exception of about two years spent in California. He made a trip to the Pacific Coast in October, 1882, and re- turned in July, 1884. While there he was engaged in farming and in the mercantile business, and buy- ing and selling grain. Farming, however, has been his chief business in life, and the tract of laud whereon he is at present located bears evidence of incessant work and intelligent improvement. Mr. Turner was married in North Otter Town- ship, February 11, 1873, his wife's maiden name being Anna J. Chamberlin, a daughter of Nathan and Lorette (Twitchcll) Chamberlin. Mrs. Turner was born in the count}' in which she was married April 11, 1853. She and her husband are the par- ents of three children — Mary L., George N. and Lena L. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are progressive peo- ple, having great faith in the possibilities of the RESIDENCE OF PHILIP SCH EU RER J 5 EC. 14. , BR I GHTON TP.,MACOUPIN CO., ILL. RESIDENCE OF THOMAS J. TURNER SEC. 11., NORTH OTTER TP.,MACOUPl N CO., ILL. 11BRARY OF THE UMVFP^ • '■ .UNO! PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 377 future. He has been appointed School Director of his district, in which capacity he has done efficient service. Both arc members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Elsewhere in this volume may be found a view of the commodious residence where Mr. and Mrs. Turner are comfortably domiciled. — **&&S&&te^ IIILIP SCHEURER, who is engaged in genera] farming on sectious 1-t and 15, Brighton Township, is one of the worthy German citizens of the county. He was born in Nassau, August 25, 183G, and is a son of Christian and Catherine (Meichael) Schenrer. Un- der the parental roof Philip was reared to man- hood and in his native tongue acquired a good education, such as fits one for the practical duties of life. On attaining his majority when he felt it time to begin life for himself, he decided to make America the scene of his future labors and in Sep- tember, 1857, sailed from Havre, France, reaching New Orleans in December following. Boarding a river vessel he came up the Mississippi to Alton, and thence to Brighton, where he has since nade his home. He had no capital, in fact had borrowed £40 with which to pay the expenses of the journey but he possessed a resolute will, a strong right arm and a determination to succeed. He began as a farm hand and as soon as he had acquired some capital made purchase of land and developing a good farm has since been numbered among the leading agriculturists of the county. After ten years Mr. Scheurer went back to his native land on a visit and on his return to his home brought with him his parents who continued to reside with their son until their deaths. The father, who was born in 1708, died in 1883, and the mother who was born in 1811, died in 1885. They were members of the German Lutheran Church anil held in high esteem by all who knew them. Mr. Scheurer at once resumed his farming operations and developed the wild prairie into rich and fertile fields, lie now has one hundred and sixty acres of arable land under a high state of cultivation besides considerable timber land. Mr. Scheurer has been twice married. In Brigh- ton Township he was joined in wedlock with Emma Diel, who was born in Germany and when a child came to this country with her parents, where she was reared. She died in 1865, when not quite twenty years of age, in the faith of the Catholic Church of which she was a member. One child was born of her marriage, who died before his second birthday. Mr. Scheurer was afterward united in marriage in Madison County with Miss Margaret Fiinfcr, also a native of Germany, who came alone to this country in 18G7. Her parents spent their entire lives in the Fatherland. By this union have been born seven children and the fam- ily circle yet remains unbroken. They are as fol- lows: Henry, Frank, Anna, Mary, Philip, Louisa and Rosa. The parents are both members of the Lutheran Church and in the social world they hold an en.yiablc position, while throughout this com- Dj|MaitftAheir friends are many. In politics, Mr. Scheuret»4%yj^D.emocral, having voted with that party for many years. On another page appears a view of the home- stead of Mr. Scheurer, which is justly considered one of the linest in the community, the improve- ments on it speaking volumes for the thrift and en- terprise of the owner. ILF L. SCHMIDT. The successful gen- ii eral farmer who is located on section 2~ . Gillespie Township, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He has lived on his farm in the above-mentioned township for the past three years, and he also owns a line farm of two hundred and thirty-one acres, most of which is well improved and well stocked; it also has very good farm buildings. He formerly owned and lived on another farm in this township. Mr. Schmidt came to this county in 1869, and has ever since lived in Gillespie Township, hav- ing improved the property which he has owned to :i very great degree. Twenty years ago our sub- 378 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ject was a poor, laboring man. lie was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, April 18, 1853. lie grew up and was educated in his native coun- try and [Hides himself that he comes from a good long-lived race of people. His father was born and reared in Hanover, where he operated a small farm, and there lived until the fall of the year 1890, when he came to the United States and at once to Illinois, joining his sons in theii home. The father is now seventy-nine years of age, having nearly reached that age when he crossed the ocean. He is still hale and hearty and anticipates with great pleas- ure the return voyage in a few months. He likes the new country. 1ml feels that he is too fir advanced in life to learn the language and ways of Hie laud. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and all his life has been characterized by a simplicity of action, justness of purpose and the greatest kindness of heart. Our subject's mother was a Hanover lady, her maiden name being Han- nah Meyer. She lived all her life in her native province, where she died in 1871, being at the time three-score years of age. She also was a member of the Lutheran Church. She was the mother of six children, of whom our subject is the fourth in order of birth; two sons and one daughter are still living. Our subject and two brothers, Mona &. and Henry H., came to this country, the former of whom now lives in Sheridan County, Neb., at Hayes Springs, where he is a farmer; the latter died after his arrival in this country. His decease took place in Gillespie Township and county. Our subject was the first of his family to leave the Fatherland. He took passage from Bremen on the steamer "Bremen," leaving the harbor May 2G, 1869. After his landing in New York City lie came on immediately to this county and town- ship. Mr. Schmidt was soon afterward married in this place to Miss Joanna D. Heien, who was born in Hanover, Germany, April 4, 1851, being only a few months old when her parents, William and Doratere (Schoeling) Heien. came to this country, leaving Bremen in the latter part of the year 1851, and landing in New Orleans. In coming North they ascended the Mississippi River to Al- ton, where they lived for some time and then came on to Macoupin County, where they settled in Gillespie Township. The father procured one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he made many improvements, and upon which both par- ents died, being comparatively young people at the time of their deaths. The mother died five years after coming to this country and the father some years later. Like most of their countrymen, they were members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Schmidt, the wife of our subject, is the sec- ond of five children and the only one now living of the children born to her mother, the father having had other children by another marriage. Mrs. Schmidt was reared and educated in this country. She is the mother of seven children, iwo of whom died at an early age, namely: William and Jessie. Her living children are: Anna, Dora T., Fritz M., Wickie L. and Minnie, all of whom are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt and the members of their family are attendants upon and members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Schmidt is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. ^-^"? TTO E HINTZ. A member of the firm of Ilintz Bros., dealers in fresh and salt meats ' and buyers and shippers of live stock, whose place of business is located on Warren Street, is the gentleman of whom we give a brief history. He has been doing business at his present location for many years. It was formerly known as the old meat market, first established by an older brother, Ernest, now deceased, who opened it in 1870, and was therewith connected until 1889. The business has since been conducted by our subject and his brother Charles, the latter operates in another shop on the same street. Mr. Ilintz has been an active partner in the business since 1882, and had, prior to that time, been connected with the work of the business since 1871. He is an expert carver of meats, and is well acquainted with his trade, hav- ing grown up in it and owning a perfectly-equipped shop. As his name would indicate, he is of German PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 379 parentage, being burn in Ilolstein, Germany, Octo- ber 6, 1855. Here be grew up and received Ins education, while under the roof of his father and iiiui her. Like many other foreigners, America seeming to offer golden promises, the father and mother with other members of the family set out on the long journey across I lie "three thousand miles of wet" and in the spring of 1871, taking passage on a German steamer at Hamburg, after a stormy passage of nearly three weeks, they landed in New York City, and came thence to Bunker Hill, where he has ever since resided. During this time he has made one trip back to Europe to bis native home. He is a young man and possesses all the sterling qualities that make the people of his nation so successful and respected wherever they may go. For a full history of his family see bio- graphical sketch of Charles H. A. Hintz. Our subject, who is a bachelor, lias proved him- self a true American citizen by the interest that he takes in affairs municipal and national. No paper or petition would be complete without his name. He is a member of the German Guttenberg Lodge, D. O. 11., No. 402, of Bunker Hill, and has tilled all the chairs in his lodge. In polities he is a strong Republican. \Tpy, ANSOM L. TWITCHKLL. Our subject is L-/ a substantial farmer in the county, owning tL \\\ one hundred and sixty acres on section a, ^@) North Otter Township. He is the son of Sidney L. Twitchell of Virden, whose history will be found under the sketch of S. L. Twitchell. The original of our sketch is one of a family of five children, he being the second, and was born in Ninth Otter Township, January 13, 1855. He re- mained at home until be reached manhood, receiv- ing the advantages common among the farmer boys of that district. April 17, 1879, our subject was united in mar- riage in North Otter Township to Miss Luora A. Kable, a daughter of James Kable, of North Otter Township, for whose history see sketcli of James Kable on another page. Mrs. Twitchell was born in Miami County, Ohio. October 15, 185G. Her parents removed to this State during her early maidenhood and settled on a farm here. She at- tracted our subject by her bright winning way- and housewifely capabilities and they have been very happy in their union. Five children have i-oiile to break the stillness Of the family home. They are Edith S., Raleigh J., Fula M.. Charles S. and Harry A. All are living and are children of whom their parents may well be proud. Mr. Twitchell has been School Director of the district. In politics he is a Republican. -*- ^ -h *=*REDERICK CHRISTIAN KEUNE. Many I— (S); of the best and most reliable citizens of /Jk Macoupin County did not have their na- tivity in this land, but being of foreign birth and parentage and having come to this country to bet- ter their fortune! and provide more generously for their children, they have adopted America fully as their home and have aided freely in building up our American institutions and promoting the prosperity- of the community in which they live. Among these there are none more industrious, more frugal and more enterprising than our Ger- man-American citizens, and Mr. Keune, who is residing on section G, Shaw's Point Township, is a worthy example of bis class. His push, pluck and perseverance have earned for him a handsome property, including a six hundred acre farm and a line brick house, and his intelligence leads him to thoroughly understand the genius of American in- stitutions so as to work in harmony with bis fellow- citizens. Our subject was born in Germany, December 7, 1816. There he grew to manhood and under- took the business of life. Louisa Hasten, to whom he was united in marriage in their native h e, was born in Germany in September, 1818, being thus two years younger than her husband. Their union was solemnized in Germany, April, 1842, and a few years later, in the fall of 1852, tiny were con- vinced that they might belter their fortunes by coming to America. They had not been in this 380 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. country long before they came to Macoupin County and made a settlement in Shaw's Point Township, where their home has been from that date to this. Five of the nine children who blessed this union are still upon earth, namely: Louisa, Lena, Henry, Emma and Amelia. The other children died when quite young. Upon the rich prairie lands of Illinois Mr. Keunc has wrought out a fortune and has ac- cumulated a property of which any man may well feel proud. His farm consists of between five and six hundred acres, besides valuable property in Car- linville. He has made a thorough study of politi- cal matters and his judgment has led him to ally himself with the Republican party. To the Ger- man Lutheran Church both Mr. and Mrs. Keune arc attached. ■■:••#- ^^EORGK P. HOLLIDAY. The genial pro- 'II (— , prietor of the farm located on section 10, ^JJl North Otter Township, is he whose name keads this sketch. His father is Arthur D. and his mother Amanda . I. (Orr) Ilolliday. A sketch will be found of Mrs. Holiday's family in another part of this volume. Our subject was early a half or- phan, his mother dying early in the '60s. His father had by this marriage seven children, of whom our subject is the fifth. Mr. Ilolliday was born in North Otter Township March 5, 1853. He here grew to manhood and has spent the greater portion of his life, being absent only three or four years, when he was engaging in the stock business. A farmer by inheritance, nat- ural aptitude and ability, he has devoted himself to this the greater part of his life and has made of it a poin'ed success. Mr. Ilolliday finds stock-raising a more lucra- tive business than the following of some special line in agriculture and that with general farming occupies his time and attention. On coming here with his father, our subject settled on about six hundred acres of land and there made the home to which he afterward brought his young wife. Oc- tober 12, 1876, he was married to Miss Martha E. Crane, daughter of Albert S. and Mary (Armstrong) Crane. Mrs. Ilolliday was born in Greene Count}', 111., October 15, 1855. Mrs. Ilolliday presides with much grace and dignity over the commodious home that her hus- band has built on their beautiful farm. Both hospitable and entertaining, no more desirable place can be found at which to spend an agreeable vaca- tion than with the pleasant couple whom it is our pleasure to chronicle in this sketch. OHN W. LIND, a general farmer, residing on section 31, Gillespie Township, owns a good farm of one hundred and twenty-five I acres, all under improvement. It was in August, 1874, that he purchased and moved upon this farm having come here from Jersey County, this State, to which he had removed with his par- ents ten years previously from Macoupin County. Our subject was born in Nassau, Germany, April 19, 1811, and was eight years old when his parents, Jacob and Catherine (Sawyer) Lind left the Fatherland, taking passage with their family at Rotterdam, and setting sail for New York City, which trip they made in three weeks. Reaching New York City, the father, mother and three chil- dren, journeyed to Cincinnati. About eighteen months later the family came on to this county, and settled upon a farm near Brigh- ton. Here they resided for some years and then removed to Jersey County, where the father died at the age of seventy-four years. The mother, who still survives, now lives with her children in Madison Count}-, III. She is now seventy years of age and is, as was her husband, an active member of the German Lutheran Church. Our subject was reared upon a farm and before he grew to manhood accepted the life of a farmer as his vocation. Miss Anna Dehne, who was born in the Province of Hanover, in Prussia, Germany. June 18, 1852, became the wife of John W. Lind, in Brighton Township, this county, December 1, 1872. She is the daughter of Frank and Fredricka ( Bauchmann ) Dehne, natives of the Kingdom of Bavaria. They ilBRARY OF THE SSEs m PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 383 lived in their native home until 1858, and then emigrated -A-ith their family to the United States. and settled on a farm in Brighton Township, this county. They are now living on the original farm which they took upon reaching this county, and while not old people, are beginning to get on in years, being fifty -eight and sixty-three years of age, respectively. They are members of the German Methodist Church, at Brighton. Mrs. Lind is the eldest of eight children of her parental home. Two of this number were born in Germany, and six in this county, and all of them are now living. Mrs. Lind is true hearted and capable, and is an excel- lent helpmate to her husband, and a faithful and affectionate mother to her five children. One in- fant, Bertha by name has been called from earth, and the children who still brighten this home are George F. E., Ferdinand P., Lena C. R., and K. C. Miranda. This family are faithful attendants upon the services of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Lind's political views are expressed in the declarations of the Democratic party. «|f BRAM B. PARKE is the owner of a fine '@/J farm of ninety acres situated on sections lii 21 and 28, Staunton Township, where he has made his home since 1875. All of the conveniences of the model farm are there seen and the neat appearance of the place gives evidence of the thrift and industry of the owner. He was born in Washington, Warren County. N. J., December 24, 1819, and is a son of John Parke, a native of Hunterdon County. His grandfather Ozias Parke, was a native of Maryland, where he grew to man- hood upon a farm, removing thence to Hunterdon County, N. .T. There he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the very advanced age of ninety- five years. He served for a short time in the Rev- olutionary War. The father of our subject was a member of the militia organized for home protection during the War of 1812. He married a New Jersey lady, Charlotte Bryan, and they lived in that State until 1852, when with their children they crossed the mountains with teams and located in Ohio. Some years later they came to Illinois but after two years John Parke returned to the Buckeye state, where he passed away at the age of seventy-five years. His wife, however, remained in Illinois with her children and died at the home of her son Abram in Moultonville, Madison County, at a ripe old age. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and an excellent lady whom all loved. Of the parental family one sister now resides in Brooklyn, N, Y., the other in Chicago. In the county of his nativity, Abram Parke spent the days of his boyhood and youth but was married in Morris County, N. J., the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah A. Hoffman, who was born in that county, October 31, 1816. She is of German de- scent and is a daughter of Nicholas and Anna (Youngs) Hoffman, natives of New Jersey, who lived upon a farm in that State from their marriage until death. Both passed away when about seventy- five years of age. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Parke, William Youngs, was a soldier of the Revolutionary War and participated in many hard fought battles. On leaving New Jersey, Abram Parke removed with his family to Ohio, where he spent eight years, lie then came to Illinois and for fourteen years re- sided upon a farm in Olive Township. Madison County, near Moultonville. The year 1875 wit- nessed his arrival in Macoupin County and since that time he has resided upon his present farm, being owner at one lime of one hundred and twenty acres, but he has since disposed of thirty acres. He is industrious and lias led a busy anil useful life, paying little attention to public or political affairs, but laboring untiringly for the interests of his family. For almost half a century Abram and Anna Parkes have traveled life's journey together and to their lot have fallen both adversity and prosperity, but in the main their efforts have been blessed with success. They have reared a family of seven chil- dren but three are now deceased, namely: Mary J. became the wife of William Crook, ami died leaving one daughter, Alice, now Mrs. Bumgartner of Sedalia, Mo.; E. Maria who wedded William F. Pell and at her death left four children — Ruby M., 384 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Lillie G., Katie J. and James A.; Elias died when about twenty-one years of age. Four children survive; Charlotte M. is now the wife of George \V. Hamel, auctioneer and clerk of Lebanon, Mo., and they have five children — Lizzie, Jessie, Lula II., Georgia and Charles. John who is engaged in fanning in Olive Township, Madison County, married Elizabeth Tabor, who died leaving four children, Stella M., C. M., George II. and Albert, Wesley, who is living on a farm in Staunton Town- ship, wedded Amanda Coalson, by whom he has three children — Grace 1!., Myrtle and Clarence. Louisa is the wife of Albert Davis, and they reside on the old homestead farm. Three children grace their union — Harry A., Arthur G. and Ethel A. Mr. and Mrs. Parke are members of the Presby- terian Church of Staunton. He is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association and in politi- cal sentiment affiliates with the Prohibition party. His portrait is presented elsewhere in this volume. I^ENPvY BRINKMAN. Among the promi- nent and leading citizens of Shaw's Point Township, our readers will lie pleased to !$•)) peruse a sketch of Mr. Brinkman, who made his mark in Macoupin County, and has been an ef- ficient, factor in promoting its interests. He is of German birth and his earlier education was taken in his native land, but he came to America before he had grown to manhood. Mr. Brinkman's natal day was January 14, 1842. He was ten years old wlun his parents migrated to the New World and he accompanied them, eager to see a new country and to learn new ways. Ma- coupin County was the scene of his youth and early manhood and here he has made his home since 1853, and here he has engaged in farming with success. He owns one hundred and eighty acres upon which he has made good improve- ments. The subject of our sketch was married in Carlin- ville, 111., March 29, 1869, his bride being Kather- ine C. Kasten. This lady was born in St. Louis, Mo., November 26, 1851. She brought to her husband eight children, six of whom are living and are a joy and a comfort to their parents. Their names are August, Mary, Mena, Frederick, Lotta and Otto. Two little ones passed away in infancy. Upon March 20, 1890. Mrs. Brinkman was sud- denly stricken with heart disease and dropped dead. She was a useful woman and an active member of the German Lutheran Church to which Mi 1 . Brinkman is also attached. His political views have led him to affiliate with the Democratic party and he believes that its platform embodies the prin- ciples which will carry this country to a successful issue of its perplexities and problems. Ef*^ •— «' FORGE E. GOODHEAD. No men have a III ( —- greater opportunity to wield a broad and V_^ permanent influence over the minds and lives of their fellow-citizens, nor a grander oppor- tunity to exercise an educative power in the com- munity than the newspaper men of our country towns and small cities. The preacher of the press is more sure of an audience than the preacher of the pulpit and if bis efforts are in the right line he has an opportunity to do great good and to acquire a genuine ascendancy over the minds of his hearers. Among the newspaper men of Southern Illinois, who are doing genuine good work in the line of publishing a first-class newspaper, we are pleased to mention the name which appears at the head of this paragraph. Our subject was born May 5, 1856, in the then very sparsely settled Northwest, where his father was a trader among the Sioux and Poltawattomie Indians. His father, Joseph Good head, now de- ceased, was a native of Vienna, Austria, where from the age of six years he was educated in a Jesuit monastery, being designed by his parents for the priesthood, which, when he had arrived at the age of maturity he renounced. He married Elizabeth Auerswald, a native of Prague, Bohemia, who is now a resident of Westport, a suburb of Kansas City. When George E. Goodhead was eighteen years of age he turned his attention in the direction of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. :;s.-, newspaper work, and having removed with his par- ents to Griggsville, 111., he started a paper there, which he called the Commercial Advertiser, but the young man had hardly attained sufficient age and experience to make a success of so dubious a pro- ject as starting a new paper, and the life of this pa- per was brief. He devoted himself to other linos of business for some time after this and waited for more age and experience before again putting forth an independent venture. In 1880, having made his home in Perry, 111., he established in June the weekly Transcript, wbicu he carried on for over three years with good success, but a great disas- ter befell him, as his establishment was, November 19, 1883, destroyed by fire. He sustained a total loss of the whole business to the amount of $1,600, with no insurance. He had thirty-five cents in his pocket and with this capital lie commenced his bus- iness anew. Thanks to a good commercial stand- ing, he had a new outfit on the road within ten days and at once resumed publication. In June, 1886, he removed to Franklin, 111., but remained there only until the beginning of 1890, when he transferred his business to Palmyra, where he is now publishing the weekly Transcript, enjoying a lucra- tive newspaper and job patronage. He was united April 25, 1884, to Miss Manic A. LaRue at Perry. Three children have crowned this union: G. Emmet, now seven years old; a baby who died in infancy; and Retta, who has now reached the charming age of four years. ifp^ft AMl'EL L. BOYD. Nature has sometimes ^^? been accused of partiality in endowing aLz^S) some °f ner children more richly than others with those qualifications which in- sure them success in life, but when such provision supplements the disadvantages of a lack of educa- tion and means, everyone must rejoice at such en- dowment. The subject of this sketch was in very early life thrown upon his own resources for sup- port, and his advantages for an education were ex- tremely limited, but lie was more fortunate than many in being possessed of excellent judgment and good sense and more than ordinary business ability, which have thus aided him in making a suc- cess of life. Our subject, was born in Garrard County, Ky., September 9, 1822. His father. Andrew Boyd, was a native of Pittsburg, Pa., and his grandfather, Moses Boyd, emigrated from Scotland to America and was one of the first settlers in Allegheny Count}', Pa. lie was one of six brothers that came to America and he died in the service of his adopted country during the War of American In- dependence. Andrew Boyd was reared to manhood in Penn- sylvania and removed from that State to Kentucky, thus becoming one of the pioneers of Garrard County. He was a blacksmith by trade and a man who did honor to his business, as every conscien- tious worker must. He followed this line of busi- ness for some years in Garrard County, which he made his home until called away from earth in August, 1833. His wife's maiden name was Me- linda Eorsyllie and her native home was Lincoln Count}-, Ky. She accompanied her children to Macoupin County, 111., where she died in 1866. Her six children are named Moses, Samuel L., Priscilla A. Elizabeth, Catherine, and James A. Samuel L. Boyd was only in his eleventh year when orphaned by the death of his father, and he became one of the main stays of his widowed mother, who was left in limited circumstances with six young children to care for and support. This brave boy at once went to work to assist in the support of the family and it is almost pitiful to re- late that in this brave endeavor he received, for for some time only, the mere pittance of ten cents a day. After some years he obtained a situation as overseer on a plantation at *7 a month. He continued in that work until 1851, when he re- moved to Illinois where he was employed on a farm for eighteen months. He returned in Oc- tober, 1853, to Kentucky, and arranged for the re- moval of his mother and brothers. Our subject and his brother James formed a partnership to engage in farming. Their capital consisted of a team with wagon and harness, and ■sCi) in cash. They rented land for a time in Scott- ville Township, and in 1861, were able to pur- :;si; PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. chase. The first land they ever owned was a tract of ninety acres for which they paid 12.200. The brothers continued in partnership until the death of James, since which time Samuel has continued alone. He now owns fifteen hundred and fifty acres of land, all in Macoupin County. His happy marriage in October, 1885, united him with Caro- line Crook, a native of Western Mound Township, this county. This lady is a daughter of George W. and Eliza (Kinkaid) Crook. To Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have been granted three children who are at once the care and the joy of their parents. They bear the names of May, James G, and Caroline. Mr. Boyd is one of the most successful business men of Scottville Township, and is a stockholder and one of the original movers in founding the Bank of Palmyra. vir=!5) LI L. HUPP. There must be a satisfaction id serene content to a man who has cn- red the privations and hardships of pio- neer life in a Western settlement, and who has known what it is to take his corn to mill at a dis- tance of many miles before he could have flour to make his bread, and to take his crops to a distant market, where he found a sale for them at a very low price, to now enjoy the comforts and advan- tages of life at the present day. with its railroad facilities, its comparatively high prices for farmers' produce, and easy access to the commodities of life, and to know that he has been intrumental in effecting this change, for. although we may not all be railroad contractors, or even have had the means to build up communities, every individual effort helps to complete the perfect whole. Mr. Hupp, who lives on section 34, of Shipman Township, came into this country at a time when Lincoln still had his reputation to make, and be- fore there was any great metropolis to which the products of the agriculturist could be sent and find a ready and lucrative market. Mr. IIupp's father was Philip Hupp, and his mother Phoebe (Johnson) Hupp. They came from Pennsylvania to Illinois, about 1842, and settled in Jersey County, where the mother died. The father passed away at the home of his son, our subject, in Shipman Town- ship. They were the parents of five sons and one daughter, of whom Eli L. was the youngest, lie was born in Washington County, Pa., October 6, 1826, and came with his father and family to Jer- sey County, ami in the spring of 1.S12 returned with his father to Washington County, Pa., where tiny staid until the fall of 1845, when our subject returned to Jersey County. His first efforts at making a livelihood were in the direction of farm labor. At first he received the modest sum of $8 per month for his work. He had, however, while yet in Pennsylvania, par- tially learned the trade of a harnessmaker, which he perfected in this State. He was then in the employ of G. W. Sid way, of Alton, for nearly four years, Mr. Sidway being a harnessmaker at that place. After working at his trade for a short time in Graf- ton. 111., he resumed farming on his own account, having purchased one hundred and thirty acres in Jersey County, which he operated for about seven years. He then sold out, but in 1855 he settled on the farm where he now lives, having purchased it three years previous to his settlement there. His first purchase comprised one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land. Upon lhis.be erected good buildings, and has since devoted himself to general agriculture and stock-raising, having ac- quired a wide reputation as being the owner of one of the best stock farms in 'his section. He now owns about four hundred acres of land. Aside from his engagement in the harness-mak- ing business above spoken of, our subject has en- gaged chiefly in farming, lie was married in Jersey Count}', December 31, 1848, to Miss Minerva J. Piggolt, a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Spur- lock) Piggott. They were natives of Virginia, having emigrated thence to St. Clair County, 111., and from there to Jersey County, where both pa- rents died. They had a family of six children, of whom Mrs. Hupp is the youngest, with one excep- tion. She was born in the county in which her marriage was celebrated, May 8, 1828. Our subject and his estimable wife, who is a lady of many marked personal advantages, culture and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 387 refinement, are the parents of seven living chil- dren, most of whom have made homes for them- selves, and are respected and useful members of Society. The children are: Philip M., who mar- ried Alice Ryan; Henry N. was united in mat- rimony to Miss Alice Whiteside; Alice is the wife of Bates Ilamer; Lincoln married Miss Lizzie Miller; Franklin wooed and won Miss Mattie Marshall. The remaining children are William F. and Zella H. One son died in infancy. He of whom we write is high in the esteem of his agricultural co laborers, and has been elected by them to several township offces. He has been School Trustee, and takes an active part in political affairs, casting his vote with the Republican party. Mr. Hnpp makes a specialty of bleeding Clydes- dale horses that arc sent to the cities to be employed in heavy drafting. He also has bred many fine roadsters. Our subject is a genial man who com- mends himself both to old friends and new ac- qnaintances. The buildings upon his farm indicate careful management and unreserved at- tention. * OBERT BROWN has been prominently connected with the business interests of Gillespie since 1871. For two years he i) engaged in merchant tailoring, but for eighteen consecutive years has been manager and weigher for the Scale Company. He has also since his arrival in this place held the office of Village Clerk and Justice of the Peace. Being thus widely and favorably known, his sketch will prove of in- terest to many of our readers. He was born on the 8th of November, 1833, in County Monaghan, Ire- land and is of Scotch descent. His parents, Thomas and Maria Brown, were also born and reared in the same locality. The father was a tailor b} r trade and followed that business on the Emerald Isle un- til the latter part of his life, when accompanied by his wife he crossed the Atlantic and they spent the remainder of their days near Mailahide in the Pro- vince of < Ontario, Canada. In religious belief they were Presbyterians, having been life-long members of that church. Their family numbered fen chil- dren, seven sons and three daughters, of whom nine grew to manhood and womanhood and all came to this country. In Mr. Brown we see a self made man, who by his own efforts has made of his life a signal success. At the early age of ten years he was put upon the tailor's trade and followed that occupation in con- nection with his father for seven years, when he decided that it was time to begin business on his own account. The New World seemed to furnish better opportunities than the old countries, and bidding good-by to home and friends he crossed the channel and at Liverpool, England, took pas- sage upon the sailing-vessel "Ocomoco" in the win- ter of 1849. After a voyage of eleven weeks and five days anchor was dropped in tne harbor of New Orleans in January, 1850. Mr. Brown remained in the Crescent City for two years and then went up the Mississippi to St. Louis, whence in 1854 he re- moved to Bunker Hill in this county r . On the 5th of April, 185fi. he arrived in Gillespie after having spent two years at journeyman work in the county. The same period of time he devoted to his trade in this village and then accepted his present position as manager of the Scale Company. His long con- tinued service in that capacity well indicates his efficiency and faithfulness and the confidence of his employers in an unwonted degree is given him. In Macoupin County Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Mary Drennan, who was born in Tennessee, December 4, 1835. When two years old she was brought by her parents to Illinois, the family settling in Bunker Hill Township, this county, where her mother died when she was a mere child. She was reared by her father and step-mother, both of whom are now deceased. Into Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born eight children, but they have lost three — Thoma, Will- iam and Frederick, all of whom died in childhood. Those who still survive are M. I)., a blacksmith by trade; Robert D., a miner; Anna, wife of John Kanous, a. miner of Gillespie; Emma F. and May at home. The children were all afforded good educational advantages such as would fit them for the practical duties of life and are an honor to their parents. In politics Mr. Brown is a stalwart Democrat, 388 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. who with vigor supports the principles of his party. Since coming to this place he lias been prominent in public affairs and has held several positions of honor and trust. Under all the different organi- zations of Gillespie he has been officially connected with the place and since 1871 has been Village Clerk. lie was also for a nu in her of years a mem- ber of the Board and for a long period has been Justice of the Peace. True to every trust reposed in him the duties of those offices have been faith- fully and conscientiously performed in a manner acceptable to all concerned. He manifested his loyalty to his adopted country during the perilous days of the Civil War by enlisting in 1862 as a member of the Ninety -seventh Illinois Infantry, commanded by Col. Rutherford and was assigned to Company A, under Capt. Willard. The regi- ment vvas organized at Springfield and attached to the Thirteenth Army Corps under (Jen. MeCler- nand, while Gens. Sherman and Grant were the chief commanders. They fought the enemy at Arkansas Post and afterward in other engagements, but before his term of service had expired Mr. Brown was honorably discharged in March, 1863, on account of physical disability. In his social re- lations he is a Master Mason and for some time has been one of the leading officers in the Gillespie Lodge, No. 214, A. F. & A. M. His wife is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and, like her husband, has many warm friends throughout this community. ■*f|HH£»- HRISTOPHEP. C. ARMSTRONG is classed among the business men of Girard who -#• have been most active in advancing its ma- terial interests, as for many years he has success- fully conducted a general store here, and he has also aided in the administration of public affairs. He is a fine representative of one of the old pio- neer families of Illinois, and is himself a native of this State, born on a farm near Fielden, Jersey County, January 2, 1837. Our subject's father was named Maurice Ann strong, and he was a native of Kentucky, a son of one of its early pioneers, Joshua Armstrong, who was a Pennsylvania^ by birth. He was also a pio- neer of this State in territorial days, migrating from Kentucky with teams in 1810, and one of the first to settle in what is now Madison County. At that time there were but few white settlers in Illi- nois, and the Indians, who were often hostile, still held possession of their ancient hunting grounds. The few whites who had boldly ventured within their domain to avail themselves of the advantages afforded by its rich virgin soil, built block houses in which to live when the Indians were on the war path, and they always went armed into the fields. The grandfather of our subject after spending sev- eral years in Madison County, removed to Jersey Countj*, and there died in the fullness of time. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Morris, and she was born in Virginia, of French ancestry. The father of our subject was young when the family came to Illinois, and he grew to a stalwan, vigorous manhood in the wilds of Madison County. When he started out in life on his own account he bought a tract of land in that county, with a few improvements, and lived upon it until 1833, when l.c sold that place, and took up his abode in what is now Jersey County, where he bought a tract of timber lai.d and built the log house in which his son of whom we write was born. He rived shingles for the roof, and made the house in the primitive way common in the construction of dwellings id those days. After he had his family comfortably domiciled, he commenced to evolve a farm from the wilderness. He had not the conveniences of modern machinery to aid him in his work, and there were no railways to bring the markets within easy access, so that whenever he needed supplies, or wished to dispose of his produce, he had to go to Alton with a team, that being the nearest city. His wife, who was an adept at the old fashioned arts of carding, spinning and weaving, used to man- ufacture the cloth from which she clothed her chil- dren, and she cooked their meals before the fire in the rude, open fireplace of the olden days. In 1854 Mr. Armstrong sold his place in Jersey County, and going to Montgomery County, settled on land that he had entered from the Government. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 389 lie built upon it anil resided thereon one year. At tlie expiration of that time lie rented it, and com- ing to Girard bought a home in the village, in which he lived quietly until his life was rounded oul by death. In early manhood he married Eliza- beth Sims, a native of Kentucky. She died at a venerable age at Girard. She was the mother of twelve children: Aholla, James, Eveline, Mary Adeline, William. Thomas, Andrew, Jane, Christo- pher C, Benjamin F., Maurice, Elizabeth. Christopher C. Armstrong was reared under pio- neer influences, and obtained his education in the primitive schools of Jersey County, that were taught in log schoolhouses with slab benches, that were without backs, aud had wooden pins for legs. There were no desks in front of the seats. The light was admitted by a log being cut out. of the wall, and a row of glass inserted into the aperture thus made. Our subject can well remember the wild condition of the country in which he passed his boyhood, when deer, wolves and other kinds of wild game were plentiful. Before he attained his majority he left his old home with its familiar scenes, and in 1855, came to Girard, then a small but nourishing village, and he soon became one of its most enterprising merchants, opening a general store here, and he has been engaged in business here continuously since. In 1870 he established himself in the drug trade, and is still carrying it on very prosperously, having a neat and well- equipped store, fully stocked with everything usu- ally found in such an establishment. Mr. Armstrong was married in 18G2 to Miss Fanny D. Weed, and they have made their home the centre of a charming hospitality, as all find who cross its threshold and are welcomed by the kindly host and pleasant hostess. These four chil- dren have been born to them: Herbert, Paul, Byron and Irene. Mr. Armstrong is justly held to be one of our best citizens, both as regards to his private life, which is irreproachable, and in every public posi- tion that he has held, in which he always acted for the best interests of city and county. His fellow- citizens, appreciating his worth, his sound business talent, and his genuine integrity of character have often called him to fill responsible ollices. He has represented Girard as a member of the County Board of Supervisors several terms; he has served as a member of the City Council, and also on the School Board. He belongs to Girard Lodge, No. 171, A. F. & A. M.; to Girard Chapter. No. 132, R. A. M.; is a member of Macoupin Council, R. & S. M.; and of St. Omar Commandery, No. .'50. K. T. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has always stood firmly by his party. Aside from his private business our subject is identified with the financial interests of this city as Treasurer of the Girard Building and Loan Association, and as President of the Girard Coal Company, and he has contributed greatly to their success and importance. ^p^EORGE W. ARNETT, who is now living in If j— , retirement in one of the attractive homes %Jj) of Carlinville, his handsome residence finely located on College Avenue, is still connected with the agricultural interests of this county as the pro- prietor of one of the many highly improved farms found within its bounds. He is a son of one of the early pioneers of this section of the State, and though a native of Overton County, Tenn., born there June 24, 1829, the most of his life has been passed here, and he has lived to see the country develop from a wilderness to a well settled and nourishing community, with beautiful farms and busy towns, and with well-stocked pastures of fine horses and cattle where formerly deer, bears, wolves and other wild animals roamed at will over wild and uncultivated (dairies or through the forest growths on the banks of the streams. Our subject is of sturdy Scotch descent. His father, Thomas Arnetl, was born in North Carolina in 1804, and was a son of John Arnett, who is sup- posed to have been born in the same State, whence he removed to Tennessee and was a pioneer of that State. In 1829 he came from there to this State and was one of the early settlers of Morgan County. where he dwelt until 1834, and then came to this county where he died in 1876. Thomas Arnett was ten years old when his par- ents went to Tennessee, crossing the mountains 390 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. with pack horses and carls. He grew to man's es- tate amid pioneer surroundings, and continued to live in Tennessee until 1829. In the meantime he had taken unto himself a wife in the person of Elizabeth G., a daughter of Jeptha and Winifred (Harrison) Reeder, who was born in Virginia in 1 805. In the 3 r ear mentioned, ho started forth from his old home to push forward to the frontier to try life in the wilds of the State of Illinois, accom- panied on his momentous journey by his wife and three children, and traveling with a yoke of oxen and a wagon, in which all their earthly possessions were conveyed. Camping and cooking by the wayside at night-fall, the little family proceeded slowly to their destination. On their arrival in Morgan County Mr. Arnett rented land on Buck Horn Prairie, and dwelt there until 1834, when he pulled up stakes and coming to Macoupin County, became a pioneer of what is now Bird Township. At that time this legion had but few white settlers, and the greater part of the land was held by the Government and for sale at $1.25 an acre. The father of our subject rented land for a time and then bought a tract in the same township. He worked steadily at the pioneer task of preparing his land for cultivation and making improvements, and on the farm that he developed he spent his re- maining days. His wife also died thereon. They were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom were reared to maturity. Our subject was an infant when he was brought to Illinois and as he grew up he was a witness of the gradual change of the country from its primi- tive state to its present advanced condition as a wealthy agricultural centre. He can remember when the farmers of other days had no machinery to assist them in their hard task of subduing the forces of nature; when they were obliged to cut their grain by hand with a sickle or cradle, and thresh it with a flail, or have it tramped out by horses or oxen. There were no free schools for him to attend in his early boyhood, as they were all conducted on the subscription plan. They were taught in log houses, that had seats made of puncheon and supported by wooden pegs, and a board laid on wooden pegs driven into the wall served as a writing desk for the scholars. As soon as large enough to be of assistance, Mr. Arnett had to work on the farm, and he helped his father until he was twenty-one. At that age he engaged with his uncle in farming in Bird Town- ship, remaining with him three years. At the ex- piration of that time he rented the farm for a pe- riod of two years, and then bought land on section 9, of the same township. A log cabin and a small tract of broken prairie constituted the improve- ments at the time of the purchase. Our subject erected a comfortable frame house, which he later replaced by a more modern and commodious res- idence, besides making many other substantial im- provements, that made that farm one of the best in its vicinity. It comprises two hundred and ten acres of farming land and forty acres of choice timber. In 1888 he rented his farm and retired to his piesent pleasant home on College Avenue, Car- linville, where he and his amiable wife can enjoy the fruits of their years of industry at their leisure. They are among the most worthy members of the Baptist Church, as they carry their religion into their every-day lives and in all things do as they would be done by. Their place in the community is among our best people, and they are held in universal esteem. Mr. and Mrs. Arnett entered upon their wedded life in October 14, 1852, and their marriage has been hallowed by the birth of four children, one of whom awaits them on the other shore, Horace \V., their second child, who died at the age of twenty- two years. The children who have been spared to bless their declining years are Viola, wife of Elery P. Deeds; Lillie, wife of Harry Wilhite; and George B. Prior toher marriage Mrs. Arnett's name was Serena E. Lasater. She is a native of Greene County, 111., and a daughter of Enoch Lasater, a native of North Carolina. His father, Standford Lasater, is also supposed to have been born in that State. His last years were spent in Tennessee, of which he was a pioneer. Mrs. Arnett's father went to Tennessee with his parents, and came from there to Illinois when he was a young man. He was an early settler of Greene County, where he bought a tract of land six miles east of Carrollton, and in the log house that he built upon it his daughter of MBRART Of THE UNIVFPr • A ^^iOd Ctjlrfyisi^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 393 whom we write was born. He improved a good farm, upon which he dwelt until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Charity Hill. She was born near Nashville, Tenn., and was a daugh- ter of Abner and Annie (Johnson) Hill. She was married a second time, becoming the wife of John Courtney, and she died in Bird Township, this county. • ' *3- zIMN^ rsHOMAS MAIIAN. One of the most prom- niinent men in the township in which he lives, both financially and socially, is the gentleman whose portrait appears on the opposite page, and whose name introduces these paragraphs. He stands at the head of the solid men in his vicin- ity. From his father, who was a native of Ken- tucky, he inherited the geniality and charm of manner for which the Kentuckians are noted, and also a fondness for the breeding of fine stock, another Kentucky weakness. He is a man of stir- ring business ability, as one must be who would not be left in the rear among so much compe- tition as we have hue in every branch of business life. As before stated, our subject inherits many of the Southern inclinations and tastes from his pa- rents, who were both natives of Kentucky. His father was the late James Mahan, born in Bourbon County, Ky. His mother was Elizabeth Ann En- dicott, wno was born in Fayette County, of the same State. After marriage their first home was made in their native State, where they lived for a feu years and then lured by the inducements tiiat the Central States offer to industry and energy, they removed to Rush County, Ind., and lived there for several years. In the fall of either 1849 or 1850, Mr. and Mrs. Mahan. Sr., came to Morgan County, III., and lived for one winter near Waverly. They then came to Macoupin County, and settled in South Otter Township, remaining there for about one year. A change was made to the southeast part of North Palmyra Township, where they remained until the father died, in November, 1808. The mother died in South Palmyra Township, in July, L8&9. Tiny had ten children, of whom our subject was the third. Thomas Mahan was born in Rush Gffunty, Ind., January 6, 1837. There he passed the early years of his life to the age of about eleven years, when he came to Illinois with his parents. He enjoyed good common-school educational advantages dur- ing his boyhood, assisting his parents with the work incident to farm life in the intervals. He remained under his father's roof until his marriage. The lady whom he invited to preside over his home was Miss Sarah Ditson, and their marriage was cele- brated October 4, 1860, in North Otter Township. The lady's parents were Jesse and Nancy (Tosh) Ditson, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. They were married in Sangamon County, and soon after moved to North ( titer Township, being among the early settlers in this place. The father passed away here in March, 18(13. The mother died in North Palmyra Township, January 17, 1K«7. They were the parents of three children, of whom Mrs. Mahan was the youngest. She was born in North Otter Township, April 16, 1843. Soon after the marriage of our subject, he with his wife settled on section 6, South Otter Township, of which he has since been a resident. He has al- was been faithful to his chosen calling, which is that of agriculture, but makes a specialty of dealing in stock, and in this particular department has built up a fine and lucrative business. He is the owner of a fine farm of two bundled and sixty acres. The house is well appointed and adapted perfectly to rural life, while all necessary outbutldings arc conveniently arranged for the storage of grain and the shelter of stock. Mr. Mahan and his estimable wife are the parents of twelve children: Nancy E.j Pit. -.Ion G.,wbo married Miss Anna Arnett; Charles S.; Carrie 1!.. who is the wife of George Hays; Ida I... who is the wife of Harry Potter; Hattie A.; Minnie S. : Thomas M.; Waller S. ; Ethel M.; Cyn- thia L. and Cecil. Our subject has been Supervisor of South Otter Township for two terms, and Collector for the same length of time. He has also satisfactorily filled the positions of School Trustee and Scl 1 Director. and was a candidate tor ( OUllty Sheriff On the Re- 394 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. publican ticket in the fall of 1 880, but was defeated by his Democratic opponent, who had, however, a majority of only two hundred and twenty votes. Like all loyal American?, Mr. Mahan has taken a great interest in political affairs as well as an active part in local politics. He is also an ardent worker in religion, and with his wife is a member of the Christian Church, in which he has been Elder for many years. y <*l fclLLIAM DAMS. The farming sections of our country are dotted over with settle- ments made by English people. Some of these colonies are sent out by wealthy landowners, others are made by small farmers who have but little more than their individual efforts to look forward to, but under whatever circumstanes these settle- ments are made, they are invariably characterized by an appearance of thrift. Although as Americans we cannot but regret that so many of the industries and so much of the wheat land in our country is owned by English capitalists, the producing class are always gratefully welcome in any community. Their nationality is a pledge for their usefulness as members of society. Macoupin County has many residents of English birth and parentage who have done much to de- velop the resources of the locality in which they have settled. Among the many is our subject, who owns a farm of two hundred acres on section 34, Western Mound Township. Mr. Dams' farm is no exception to the well-improved and highly culti- vated places of his countrymen and he is besides a great addition to the community because of the in- terest he takes in local affairs. The original of our sketch is a native of Lincolnshire. England. His father was John P. Dams, who was also born in England. His mother was Elizabeth (Stoddard) Dams, whose early home and marriage place was that of her husband. The Dams family emigrated to America in an early day. They located in Pennsylvania first, re- maining there about one year. They then came to Macoupin County and settled in Western Mound Township where the father died in 1848. There were six children in the Dams family and of these our subject was the eldest. He was born in Penn- sylvania July 20, 1832. He attained manhood in Western Mound Township in which he has always been a resident. He not unnaturally continued the calling in which he had early training — that of farming — and has pursued it most successfully. Mr. Dams' marriage took place in Western Mound Township. His wife's maiden name was Matilda Barrows. She was a daughter of Austin S. Bar- rows, who is now a resilient in the State of Kansas. Our subject and his wife are the parents of five children, three of whom are deceased. The chil- dren living who are the pride and comfort of their fund parents are Oscar and Frank. Those deceased are Arthur, John and Edward. Mr. Dams is held high in the esteem of his fel- low-townsmen. He is genial and open-hearted, a man who makes many friends and who receives the confidence of others, but one who keeps his own counsel, and while he has many acquaintances con- fides in but few. He has most satisfactorily filled the office of School Director for some time and other ottices that have been urged upon him have been declined, because it seemed that he could not neglect his own affairs for a position that could he filled by others. -T^=i „ y> OIIN GEORGE BECKER, of the firm of J. G. Becker it Son, of Yirden, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1828, June 15, being his natal day. His father, John Phillip Becker, was born in the same locality in 1800. His parents spent their entire days there, and the father of our subject followed farming all his days, and spent his entire life in his native home, dying there in 1874. Four of his children came to America. Frederick lives in Cincinnati, Ohio; and Louis F. went to California in 1861, and the last heard of him was from Salt Lake City. Our subject attended school until thirteen years of age and then learned the trade of a cabinet- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 395 maker in which he served for two anrl a half years and then worked as a joiner until 1850. He then decided to come to the New World and try his for- tunes here. He set sail from Havre in March on the sailing vessel '"Calender," and landed in New Orleans after a voyage of fifty-two days. He spent two weeks in New Orleans and then came to St. Louis where he remained until 1861. He then came to Virden, where he has ever since made his home. On settling in Virden he began business as a contractor and builder, and has continued in this line up to the present date. Some of the finest buildings in Virden have gone up under bis super- vision. In 18GG he erected the first brick building in Virden. This edifice is now occupied as a bank and drugstore. His marriage, which took place in June, 1852, united him with Catherine Steelier, who was born in Ilesse-Cassel, Germany, and came to America in 1851. Five children have blessed the union of this worthy and interesting couple, namely, Lewis F., who is a partner with his father in business and whose biography will be found in connection with this sketch; Anna, Amelia, Oscar and Carrie. This gentleman is a member of Virden Lodge No. 161, A. F. it A. M., and is a Director in the Homestead and Loan Association. -^^cv^-5^^ i^HOMAS 15. ALLEN. The original of this f/T\ sketch is the owner and resident upon a farm on section G, North Otter Township. His father was William Allen, who was a native of North Carolina, and came to Greene County, 111., when he was about twenty-six years old, being one of the first settlers there. There was a life of hard work before him, for he was one of the pioneers of the State, but on his entry here he was at the age when the very fact of living is divine, and hardships and deprivations seem the smallest pos- sible consideration in the face of youth and strength. The father of our subjet was united in marriage to Mary Pinkerton, who was a native of Virginia. Mrs. Allen had, however, made her home in this State some time previous to her marriage, anil when they set up their household gods in their own little home, they settled in Greene County, this State, where they died after having reared a family of nine children, of whom our subject is the eld- est. He was born in Greene County, III., May 81, 1822. Our subject's father was a farmer, and his chil- dren were brought up with an acquaintance with the duties of farm life. He of whom we write early learned how to swing the ax and milk the cows, plant and hoe corn. Thus he worked until he reached manhood years, when lie was married in his native township and county, to Miss Martha A. Ha/.lewood, March 21, 184.'L She was a daugh ter of Pleasant and Lillias ( Bradfute) Hazlewood, both natives of Virginia, although they were mar- ried in Tennessee, and from there came to the county where their daughter entered her married life. There they made their home until their death. Mrs. Allen is the youngest of her father's fam- ily, and was born in Tennessee, August 1, 182G. For several years after the marriage of our sub- ject, he with his wife made his home in Greene County, after which he came to Macoupin County, and settled on section 6, North Otter Township, where he has since resided. Throughout his life he has been engaged chiefly in farming. His farm here com [irises two hundred acres, that covers portions both of North Otter and North Palmyra Townships. Upon his farm here he has erected good buildings, and has a delightful home. Mr. and Mr. Allen are the parents of ten chil- dren. They are as follows: Lillias A., who is the wife of John W. Hohrev; William P.. who is a farmer in Sangamon County, III.; Harriet R. is the wife of William Simms; Maria J., who married H. C. Cooper; and Edward G.. who is a farmer in North Palmyra Township. The children who are deceased are Alfred P., Thomas 15. and Mary M.; two of these died in infancy. Our subject and his amiable family are worthy of the respect shown them by the community in which they reside, and which has been pleased to honor Mr. Allen with several positions in the gift 396 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of the township, and Trustee, in He has been School Director which stations lie has well ac- quitted himself of tiie public trust placed in him. Tn politics he is an adherent of the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Chinch, of which they are generous supporters. Mr. Allen has for several years held the position of Steward and Trustee of the body with which he is connected. Our subject's place is notable for the good class of buildings upon it, all in excellent condition and carefully kept. lie is well known as a public-spirited man, whose own interests are always secondary to those of the pub- lic good. While in Greene County, Mr. Allen was elected Captain of the State Militia. Yf/AMES ,1 ONES, who is engaged in general farming on section 22, Brighton Township, was born in Wales, in December, 18.57 and is the eldest son of James and Mary Jones, both of whom were natives of the same country. The mother there died when in middle life. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Some years after the death of his wife, Mr. .Tones crossed the Atlantic to this country, and died at the home of his son Tom, in Brighton Township, having reached the allotted three-score years and ten. He, too, was a member of the Baptist Church. The first one of the family to cross the ocean was our subject, who, when a young man of twenty years resolved to try his fortune in America, and in 185'.), made his passage from Liverpool to New York on a steamer. Choosing Illinois as the scene of his future labors, he soon afterward began life here as a poor man. The first year be worked for John Bennett for $100, and continued farm labor for three .years in the employ of others, when he began work on his own account. Whatever suc- cess he has achieved in lite is due to his own ef- forts. He certainly deserves great credit, for he began at the very lowest round of the ladder and has worked his way upward step by step until he is now numbered among the well-to-do citizens of the community. His farm in Brighton Township comprises two hundred and eighty-eight acres of arable land, much of which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved. It yields to him a good income and he can now provide himself and family with all the comforts of life, of which he was once denied on account of his limited means. A view of his pleasant homestead is presented on another page of this volume. Mr. Jones has been twice married. In this county he wedded Miss Emma Bradley, who was born in England, and during her childhood came with her parents to America, the family settling in this county, where she grew to womanhood. She died at her home in Brighton Township, at the early age of twenty-four years. Four children were born of their union, but William and May- are now deceased. Charles and Mary A. still sur- vive and are both married. The former now en- gages in farming in Colorado and the latter is the wife of Josiah Morris, a resident farmer of Kansas. On the 8th of April, 1875, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Mrs. Emma Barnes, nee Spencer, who was born in Marshawood Parish, Dorsetshire, England, December 8, 1853, and is a daughter of Barnett and Flora (Mecch) Spencer, also natives of Dorsetshire, who came of pure English stock. Af- ter their marriage they settled in their native county, where they spent their entire lives, Mr. Spencer following the occupation of farming. He died on the 1st of March, 1882, at the age of sixty years. His widow still survives him and will have attained her sixty-ninth year in December, 1891. She is a member of the Episcopal Church, to which her husband also belonged, and is still enjoying good health, retaining much of the vigor which characterizes middle life. Mrs. Jones is one of a large family and in the county of her nativity she grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools. She was first married to Charles Barnes, who was born and reared in Dorsetshire, England, and in 1873, they sailed for America, locating upon a farm in Brighton Township, Macoupin County, 111., where the death of Mr. Barnes occurred March 27, 1874, at the age of twenty-four years, leaving one child, Eliza J., who still resides with her mother. Unto := ■A-J l^-g- 4 v ■•■-; ;, .;.->■ tg **j /••%••.« «\<»£> -•*»*?' "ISsS** •■'•.'--.' *.^*^m\"£c^v > 'v®- * < >- i EROME B. BALDWIN, a resident of the village of Virden, is classed among the wide-awake and prosperous farmers who are upholding the great agricultural interests of this county, and are thus closely associated with its progress and material welfare. He was born April 22, 1843. on a farm near Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Iud. He is a son of the late William C. Baldwin, who was a native of Butler County, Ohio, coming of the old pioneer stock of that State, and his parents are also thought to have been natives of Butler Count)-. The father of our subject was reared amid the primitive scenes of his birth, and when a young man he became a pioneer, seeking to build up a home in the primeval wilds of Indiana. He bought a tract of forest-covered land in Montgomery County, on which he built a log house, which hum- ble abode was the birthplace of his son of whom we write. The father cleared a part of his land, and continued his residence on it until 1852, when he came with his family to Illinois. He lived for a time in Greene County, and then came to Macou- pin County to take up his abode here for the rest of his life. He bought a tract of partly improved land a half mile from the village, and there he made his home until he closed his eyes in death in in June, 1888. His wife passed away before he did, dying July 31, 1880. Her name in her maiden days was Cyrena Dalton, and she was a native of Madison County, Ky. We will now turn our attention to ihe son of those worthy people who forms the subject of this sketch. He was a lad of nine years when his par- ents brought him to Illinois, and he was carefully trained by them to a useful manhood, being given such education as the local schools afforded, which he attended whenever opportunity offered, and he also gained a sound practical knowledge of farm- ing in all its branches. He remained an inmate of the home of his father and mother until after he attained his majority. After his marriage at the age of twenty seven years he settled on a farm two and one-half miles northwest of Virden, and dur- ing the fourteen years he lived on it he brought it to a high point of cultivation, and by the various improvements that he made he greatly increased its value. In 1884 he came to Virden and bought land, upon which he built his present weli-appointed, conveniently arranged residence, in which he has made his home ever since. He still retains his farm, a part of which he rents, and the remainder he operates himself with good financial results. The marriage of Mr. Baldwin with Miss Mary E. Gates was duly celebrated September 1,1870. One child has blessed their union, John M., who is a cripple from hip disease. Mrs. Baldwin, who is PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 101 descended from the early pioneer stuck of this State, is a native of Illinois, born three miles from Virden m Sangamon County. .March 2.">. 1844. Her father, Andrew Gates, was born in Muhlen- berg County, K}'., and was a son of Michael Gates, who was born and I eared in Pennsylvania. lie went from that Slate to North Carolina, and was there married. Prom there he removed to Ken- tucky, and was a pioneer of Muhlenberg County, while he resided until 1830. In that year he came to Illinois and took up his abode in Auburn Town- ship. Sangamon County, where his death occurred al :i venerable age. Mrs. Baldwin's father passed his early life in the stale of his nativity, whence he came to Illinois in the spring of 1831, and settled on the line of San- gamon and Macoupin counties. At the time of his marriage he rented land, and farmed as a renter two years. He was a pioneer of that region, which was sparsely settled, and deer and all kinds of game abounded in the forests and on the wild prai- ries. There was no railway, and Alton was the nearest marketing point. As soon as able Mr. Gates entered land in Auburn Township, Sanga- mon County, and in Virden Township, making his home in the former county until his life was closed in death in 1882. His venerable wife, to whom he was wedded February 13, 1833, survives him, and is a welcome inmate of the household of our sub- ject and his wife. She bore the maiden name of Lucinda Wood, and was born December 31, 1816, in Madison County, lib. when this State was a territory. Her father, whose name was William Wood, was a native of Knox County, Tenn., and was left an orphan at an early age. He came to Illinois in 1810, and was a pioneer of Madison County, which at that time had but few white set- tlers, who stood in constant fear of the Indians who were numerous and troublesome. After a residence there of some years he bought land in North Otter Township, this county, and in the home that he built thereon be dwelt some years, devoting himself to the improvement of his land. He finally went to Texas, where he died. The maiden name of his wife was Polly Cox, and she was born in Kentucky, a daughter of George and and Joanna (Hubbard) Cox, who were natives of South Carolina. The grandmother of Mrs. Bald- win returned from Texas to Illinois after the death of her husband, and died at the home of a son in Knox County. Mis. Baldwin is one of a familj of four daughters and two sons. She was carefully trained in all household work, and was early taught by her mother to card, spin ami weave Max and wool of which all the garments worn by the family were made, and she also learned to knit. 1'nder such instruction she became an excellent house- keeper, and understood full well lion- to manage her home when she became a wife. Our subject has made a creditable record as a thrifty, capable farmer, and in him his community finds a citizen sound and true, an accommodating neighbor and a sincere friend. He and his wife and son are active members of the Baptist Church and are identified with its every good work. Mrs. Baldwin's father -was a devoted member of the German Baptist Brethren Church. AMl'KL K. KILLAM, a son of William 11. Killam, an Englishman, makes his home on section 2, Bird Township. The mother of our subject was Mary Hall, who was also born in England. This couple came to America when young people and after their arrival here were married and settled in Morgan County. III., where they made their home for the remainder of their days. Tbid son, Samuel E., was one of the eldest in a large family of children. He was born in Morgan County, July 7, 1835. Here he resided until he reached manhood, and here lie made his home until his marriage when he rented a farm west of Jacksonville and lived there until the fall of 1868 when he came to Macoupin County and made his home in Bird Township, where he has since been a resident. Mr. Killam has always been engaged in fanning and stock-raising, and his farm of two hundred and fifty acres is an illustration of his energy and good judgment. The buildings are commodious and capacious and he has every convenience necessary to the successful carrying on of a farm. His mar- -102 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. riage took place in Morgan County, February 20, 1862, his bride being Mary A., daughter of John and Esther (Peekering) Grime, both natives of England. Mr. Grime died in New York anil Mrs. Grime in Whitehall, this State. Mrs. Killam was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., January 12, 1840. To this worthy and prosperous couple have been born five children: Mary E., Frances G., Elizabeth A. who died at the age of twenty years, John W. and Samuel E. Their mother is an earnest, and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and she lias faithfully trained her children in the duties of the Christian religion. Mr. Killam held the oflice of Supervisor of Bird Township for two years. He has been Justice of the Peace for five years and School Director for many terms. He votes and works for the success of the Republican party, with which he has been identified since its organization. He is a public spirited man and ever active in promoting the best interests of the community. **-* ~«* — ,ROF. HENRY D. FOLTZ, a resident of Pal- myra, is a gentleman of broad culture and advanced views who occupies a high posi- tion among the leading educators of this county as a teacher who has met with more than ordinary success in his profession. He is a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., born near Mt. Pleas- ant October 3, 1847. His father, Henry W. Foltz, was born in the town of Andover, Essex Counts-, Mass., while his father, whose name was George Foltz, was a native of Dauphin County, Pa. The great grandfather of our subject was a native of Germany. The grandfather of our subject, who was a wagon maker by trade, removed to Andover, Mass., where he was engaged in manufacturing wagons a few years. He then returned to Penn- sylvania and carried on his trade in Westmoreland County the remainder of his life. The father of our subject was young when his parents returned to Pennsylvania, and the remain- der of his boyhood was passed in Westmoreland County. In his youth he learned the trade of a shoemaker, but he was of a thoughtful, scholarly turn of mind, and the legal profession having pecu- liar attractions for him he prepared himself for it and in due time opened an office to practice law in Mt. Pleasant, where he still resides. He has served as assistant Justice of Westmoreland County and has won an honorable position at the bar. In early manhood he married Mary Smitley and theirs has been a felicitious wedded life. Mrs. Foltz is a native of Edinboro, Scotland, a daughter of John Smitley. who was horn in the North of Ireland and was of Scotch ancestry. He came to the I'nited Slates when a young man and was he;e married to Catherine Golden, a native of Cumberland County, Pa. He settled seven miles from the Westmoreland County line and. was a resident there until ls.">2. when he went to Allen County. Ind. He bought a large tract of land there, engaged in farming and there quietly passed his last day's. The mother of our subject and her twin brother Jacob arc thfl only survivors of the family. The subject of this biographical review laid the foundation of a liberal education in the schools of his native county, and at the age of thirteen he entered the Normal School at Millersville, from which he was graduated with honor in 1866. He had also gained a practical knowledge of his chosen profession, as while he was a student at the Norma] he taught school four terms and thus earned the money to pay his expenses. After graduation lie taught two terms at Oak Grove, Pa., was next en- gaged at Lemon Centre, and in 1 868 went to Ft. Wayne to take charge of a school in that city. A year later he came to Macoupin County, and has since been closely identified with the educational interests of this part of the State. In 1873 the Professor came to Palmyra, and the next year bought his present residence, and he has also pur- chased other village property, investing his money judiciously, and with much business acumen demon- strating the fact that his talents are by no means confined to bis profession. His education, his famil- iarity with books and his wide range of knowledge concerning subjects of general interest, together with a good address and a pleasant manner, have made him popular in social circles and have at- MMMmr Of THE vfNVERtfTY Of RUMms 1 lAAA/^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 405 traded to him the friendship of some of the best citizens. He is a member of Palmyra Camp No. 1 19, M. \V. A. In his political views he is a de- cided Republican. The marriage of Prof. Foltz with Miss Bella C'hisholm was solemnized September 1G, 1873. Mrs. Foltz is a native of South Palmyra Township, born April 6, 185G, and a daughter of William and Sarah (Killam) C'hisholm. The Professor and his wife have a charming home, and their pleasant family circle is completed by their three children — Floddie, Minnie Lucretia and Benjamin Harrison. Mrs. Foltz and tier daughter Floddie are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and their names are associated with ever}* good work. OLOMON JOINER, one of the influential farmers and stock-raisers of Bird Town- 0Lf_J$ 8n 'Pi ' s a son °f Thomas and Martha A. (Pulliam) Joiner. The father, who died in 1883 is mentioned prominently in the sketch of his wife which will be found in another part of this book. His widow still survives and is one of the representative women of the township. Of a fam- ily of eight children, our subject is I he second in order of birth, and he was born in what is now North Palmyra Township, July 5, 1849. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on his father's farm in Macoupin County, and made his home with his parents until his marriage, which momentous and interesting event took place in Bird Township, November 14, 1872. The lady who became his wife was Mary E., daughter of Joseph M. and Lucinda (Burford) YanArsdale. Mrs. VanArsdale died in South Palmyra Town- ship. She was the happy mother of twelve chil- dren, of whom her daughter Mar}', the wife of our subject, was the tenth, and she was born in Ma- coupin County, July IG, 1854. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Joiner they decided to make their home in Bird Township, and have since resided upon their fine farm. They have one hundred and fifty acres of rich and productive soil, and upon it are located excellent buildings and all other improvements necessary to mark it as the property of an enterprising and thorough farmer. Seven children were born to Mr. Joiner and his estimable wife as follows: Thomas M.. deceased, Martha L., Joseph E., Loretta E., Gcr- tiude A.,Ettie E., and George R. Mrs. Joiner is an earnest and devoted member of the Baptist Church, in the belief and practice of which she is faithfully bringing up her children. Our subject is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been School Director and is ever active in promot- ing the interests of the district school. Aside from the interest in these matters he devotes himself en- tirely to agricultural pursuits, where his persistent industry and good judgment are crowning his efforts with success. The attention of the reader is invited to the lithogaphic portrait of Mr. Joiner which is pre- sented in connection with this sketch. 1IARLES II. A. H1NTZ. dealer in meats and live stock in Bunker Hill, established busi- 'fj ncss in that place in 1870, in which year he emigrated from Germany to America. With his brother as a partner, he carried on operations under the firm name of Ilintz & Co, until 1874, when the firm title was changed to E. & C. Ilintz. In 1881 another change was made and the business has since been conducted by the firm of Ilintz Bros. They have been very successful in their dealings and so rapidly has their trade increased that they found it expedient to establish two shops, thus to more conveniently attend upon the wants of their customers. Their shops are well equipped, having all the modern conveniences for preserving and retaining all the freshness of their meats. They do a large shipping trade, theii principal markets being St. Louis and Indianapolis. Charles Hintz is a native of Germany, bis birth having occurred on the 24th of July, 1846, in the Province of Holstein. where his ancestors had lived for many generations. His grandfather. Peter Ilintz, was a baker ami brewer of thai Province and there spent his entire life, dying at the age of 406 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sixty-five years. He married .Sophia Hahn and she also lived throughout life in Ilolstein, her death occurring at the age of fifty-one years. They were members of the Lutheran Church and in their family were thirteen children, of whom K. Hintz, father of our subject, was the second in order of birth, lie was also the only one who ever came to the United States, but eight of his brothers and sisters are still living in the Fatherland. He grew to manhood in Ilolstein and in his youth learned the cabinetmaker's trade, which he followed throughout his residence in his native country. He married Johanna Dressel, who was born and reared in Lutjenburg, Ilolstein. and is also of pure German descent. Eight children were born unto them and with their family they emigrated to America in May, 1870, taking passage at Hamburg upon the steamer ••Germania.'* After a very rough voyage of twenty-three days the vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of New York and the Hintz family found themselves in the New World which was to be their home from hence forth. They be- came residents of Bunker Hill, where the parents and a number of the children are yet living. For a short time after his arrival, K. Hintz carried on a meat market but now is practically living a retired life, performing no labor unless perhaps he some- times does a little cabinet work for his children. He is now seventy-eight years of age but is a hale and hearty old man, still possessing much of the vigor of younger manhood. His estimable wife, who so long has traveled life's journey with him and proved to him a true helpmate, has reached the age of seventy five years. They still hold to the faith of the Lutheran Church, under the auspices of which they were reared. According to the laws of his country our subject attended school and when twenty-one years of age he enlisted in the French War under Frederick Charles in the regular army and served three and a half years. He participated in many engage- ments, including the noted battle of Gravellote, on the 16th, 17th and 18th of August, 1870. He also bore his part in the many battles which occurred around the city of Metz and was wounded in Or- leans. France, during a street battle which occurred between the citizens and soldiers, known as the Orleans Massacre. It was a gunshot wound and the bullet he yet carries in his left leg. He served throughout as a private and was a brave and val- iant soldier. When tin; family turned their faces Westward, Mr. Hintz also c-ossed the broad ocean ami as be- fore stated established himself in business in Bunker Hill. After four years he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Kahl, who was born in Ilolstein, Germany, January 4, 1858, and was brought by her parents to the United States when a child of eight summers, the family locating in Hunker Hill, which has since been her home. She has four brothers and a sister yet living there. Her educa- tion was acquired in the schools of this community aud her native land and she remained at home un- j til she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Hintz. Seven children have been born of their union, live of whom are yet living: Cora, Dora, Emma, Maria, and Ella. Charles is now deceased and the other child died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hintz are members of the Lutheran Church and he holds membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Ilaryue, a German order. In politics he is a Republican and keeps himself well informed on the political issues of the day, also upon all matters of general interest. He has never sought ofliee but is now serving as a member of the School Board. In addition to his other interests he is a stockholder in the Bunker Hill Nail Com- pany and also in the Building and Loan Associa- tion. He was one of the enterprising and successful business men of Bunker Hill, and by courteous treatment and fair dealing has won a liberal patron- age and is accounted a valued citizen of the com- munity. ■ 5£x> * ICIIARD RIDGLEY. One by one the old settlers are being called away from the L% scenes of time and sense, leaving records \^) more or less beneficial, according as their deeds were useful in advancing the general welfare and their characters upright and noble. Numbered among those whose careers can be looked upon with interest and whose works may well be emu- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRA 1'HICAL RECORD. HIT lated by others, is tbe late Richard Ridgley, wlio resided in Bunker Hill nearly thirty years and who passed away March 25, 1887. lie was an earnest, honest mat:, diligent in business, liberal in his views and his means, and stanch ly supporting that which was worthy, whether for molality, education or civil government. Mr. Ridgley was of pure Knglish blood and was born in the Mother Country, May 12, 1810. Ilis parents, Thomas and Lydia (Cross) Ridgley, emig- rated in 1816, landing at Boston, Mass., and sub sequently settling at Medford. They lived there until 1838, when they set out for the West, coming overland and being ten weeks en route. Some of the children had already come West and on this occasion the others accompanied their parents. A settlement was made at Alton and a few years later the parents removed to Monmouth, where the mother died at the age of seventy-four years. The father 1: ter went to St. Louis, Mo., where be breathed his last at the ripe age of eighty-four years. Both were life long members of the Meth- od isl Episcopal Church. The subject of this biographical sketch grew to manhood in the old Bay State, and after his marriage came West with his parents and other members of the family. He established his home in Alton, but in 1840 came to Bunker Hill Township, this county, and rented a farm. A year later he returned to Alton and the next year went to St. Louis, where he lived until 1858. His brother Stephen had in- troduced in that city an invention for the lighting of the streets, and was carrying on the manufacture in connection with Abner Stone. In 1846 Richard Ridgley secured control of the plant and from that time until he came to Bunker Hill permanently, he conducted the business. The spirit-lighting was then superseded by more modern means of illumi- nation, and he, having in the meantime accumulated a fortune, decided to spend his last days quietly, and left the Missouri metropolis for the pleasant town of Bunker Hill. He had here an attiaclive home, which is still occupied by his widow. In 1837 Mr. Ridgley was married to Mary A. Cnpen, the ceremony taking place at the bride's home in Wrentham, Mass. She was born in Dor- chester, that State, March 31, 1818, and is the youngest of four daughters, all of whom lived t" rear families, but of whom she is the only one now living. Her parents, John and Margaret (Carpen- ter) Capen, were natives of Massachusetts and be- longed to old families of that State. They lived on a farm near Dorchester for some years, then re- moved to Wrentham, which was their final home. Mr. Capen lived to the advanced age of eighty- six years, but Mrs. Capen died in 1801. Both be- longed to the Congregational Church. The mater- nal grandfather of Mrs. Ridgley was a Revolution- ary patriot and was one of those who crossed the Delaware River with Washington. Mrs. Ridgley having had no children has been a foster mother to some whose parents could not give them the best opportunities and has aided them to an education and n good start in life. The late Mr. Ridgley was a sound Republican and during the Civil War was a taithful friend of the Union cause. For years he was connected with the Congregational Church and held the oflices of Deacon and Trustee. By his will he bestowed up- on the church at Bunker Hill the sum of $1,000. Mrs. Ridgley belongs to the same religious society. v , HILIl' LAUCK, who is engaged in busi- ness as a dealer in all kinds of fresh, dressed and cured meats on Main Street in Brighton was born in the Province of Nassau, Ger- many. December 4, 1845, and is the eldest child of Conrad and Hannah (Henn) Lauck. natives of the same province, where they were reared and married. Several years later in September, 1857, they started for America, taking passage atllarvrc, France upon a vessel which after some weeks landed in New Or- leans, The family came up the Mississippi River to Illinois and settled upon a farm near Brighton. Mr. Lauck was a shoemaker by trade but in this country engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1875, at the age of sixty years. His wife died two years previous at about the age of fifty years. They were members of the Lutheran Church and people of sterling worth. 408 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ii a in Coming to this country with his parents, the sub- ject of this sketch aided his father in the develop- ment of a farm. His educational advantages were such as the common schools afforded and by read- ing and observation be has made himself a well-in- formed man. He was married in St. Louis, to Miss Henrietta Schneider, also a native of Germany, born in Saxony, in January, 1847. She was only seven years old when her father, Gotleib Schneider! brought his family to America. After crossing the broad ocean they settled in Ohio, and about two years later came on to Illinois, traveling with teams and wagons overland to Springfield, where they remained until i 858, which year witnessed their r..r- rival in Brighton, where the parents both died. The mother and her son Henry were both killed while driving over a railroad crossing, by a fast-running passenger train, their death occurred instantly. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schneider were life-long members of the Lutheran Church and were people whose lives entitled them to universal esteem. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lauck have been born seven children but the}' have lost three — an infant, Harry and Louisa. Ada, Edward C, Albeit and Frank are still with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Lauck are both members of the Lutheran. Church and he is one of the prominent citizens of Brighton. His fellow-townsmen recognizing his worth and ability have frequently called upon him to serve in posi- tions of public trust and for the long period of thirteen years he has filled the office of Councilman, a fact which indicated his faithfulness and efficiency. A stanch advocate of the Republican parly he ex- ercises his right of franchise in its behalf and exerts every honorable means in his power to promote its interests. Mr. Lauck is also regarded as one of the leading business men of Brighton. He began op- erations in his present line as a partner of the Shuf- fle Bros., and for twenty years has been alone. He is supplied with all the best apparatus for dressing and preparing meats, has one of the finest establish- ments in the place and is enjoying a well-deserved patronage. Our subject served as a soldier in the late war, enlisting in March, 1864, in Company D, Twenty- seventh Illinois Infantry. He was in the army of the Cumberland under Gen. Sherman, and was in all the principal engagements of that campaign an was honorably discharged at Springfield III., in August 18G5. Our subject belongs to the Odd Fel- lows of Brighton, the Knights of Honor, the Grand Army of the Republic and the 0. I. II. all of Brighton. •>■;*> n IpjVHLLIFF DEY. one of the prominent far I ^ mers of Hilyard Township, resides upoi section 24, where he operates a good farm V£)' of two hundred acres, all of which is thor- oughly cultivated and well stocked. It is now twenty-one years since he took charge of this place and he has lived in this township since 1854, that being the year when the family removed from Jer- sey County to this county. Jersey villi', Jersey County, III., is the birthplace of our subject, whose natal day was February 18, 1841. He is a son of Cornelius Dey, a native of Somerset County, N. J., who was born there Au- gust 2G, 1817. His father, Enoch, a New Jersey fanner, died at the age of fifty years. His wife, Rebecca Shaw, who with her husband was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died when she was fifty-live years old. Cornelius Dey was the fifth in a large family of children and was reared to farming pursuits in Somerset County, N. J., and there was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Rodgers who was born in that county January 4, 1819. Her parents, William and Ann (Perrine) Rodgers were both na- tives of that county and came of Scotch ancestry. This worthy couple emigrated to the West with their children, including Mrs. Dey and her husband, in April, 1838, coming by lake, canal and river, reaching Jersey ville, which was then a hamlet in a new country. Wolves and wild animals of all kinds then abounded and. here Mr. and Mrs. Rod- gers took up a new life in this new country. In 1 852 they came to this count}' and took property which had been slightly improved in Hilyard Township. After living upon it for some years they retired from active life and making their home in Bunker Hill there spent the remainder of their days. They both passed the line of four-score years, and after PORTRAIT AND 1UOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 409 :i quiet season of retirement died during the decade of the '50s. For many years they had been con- nected with the Presbyterian Church, but at the time of their death were members of the Congre- gational Church. Mr. Rodgers ever remained a strong Whig in politics. The year following their marriage, Cornelius Dey and wife emigrated with Mrs. Dey's parents to Jerseyville and there Cornelius found employment at his trade of a mason and plasterer. In 1854 he came to Macoupin County and taking land in II il- yard Township followed the avocation of a farmer. Mr. Dey's death occurred October 30,1874. He had made a success of his farming and had acquired a handsome property. He had been an earnest and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church and had been exceedingly helpful in religious move- ments in this new country. His political convic- tions had allied him with the Republican party in whose future he had great faith. His widow, who still survives him, is in the enjoyment of excellent health, and with faculties unimpaired puisnes a life of usefulness, spending most of her time with her son Rhuliff. She is an earnest member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. The gentleman of whom we write is one of a family of four sons and two daughters, and with one sister constitutes the remnant of the family. His brother, William H., who was a farmer in this township, departed this life March 8, 1891. His sister, Mrs. Mary Ferguson, is the wife of David Ferguson, a retired farmer of Staunton, III. Having reached his majority Rhuliff Dey began work on his own account and before long was mar- ried in llilyard Township to Miss Catherine M. Snedeker, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, October 13, 1845. Her father, Jacob, and her mother, Eleanor (Jay) Snedeker, were natives of New Jersey, the former coming of Jersey Dutch ancestry. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Snedeker removed to New York State and some years later to Champaign, Ohio and there a part of their family were born. In the fall of 1850 they emi- grated with the family to Jerseyville, this State, and one year later c>me to this county, making their home in Hilyard Township. They settled on one hundred and sixty acres of wild land and here the father is still living at the age of eighty-five; the mother died, March 21, 1891, aged seventy-eight years. In their retirement they enjoyed the com- panionship of a large circle of friends who truly esteemed them for their excellent qualities of heart and mind. Mr. and Mrs. Dey are the parents of six chil- dren, one of them, Edward, died in infancy, Charles R. is at home with his parents; Orval A. and Nellie C. are attending the Normal School at Bushnell, preparatory to teaching, and Frank C. and H attic L. are at home. I.oth Mr. and Mrs. Dey are earn- est and consistent members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, in which Mr. Dey acts as a faithful and efficient Trustee. His political views lead him to vote and work with the Republican party. This happy couple are among that thrifty class of resi- dents who go to make up a truly prosperous and desirable community. EORGE W. DUNCAN, who resides on sec- tion 3, Cahokia Township, where he carries on general farming and stock raising, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the county, his father, Dr. Nathan Duncan, having here settled at an early day. lie was born in North Carolina as were the grandparents of our subject and the family is of English origin. The Doctor married a North Carolina lady. Miss E. Lavina Linebargev, whose parents, natives of Penn- sylvania, were of German descent. Two children were born unto them, Mary and Absalom, but be- fore they left North Carolina the daughter died. The Doctor with his wife and son and her parents came to the North, locating tirsl in Indiana and after a year the Duncan family came to Illinois, locating first on the farm which is now occupied by our subject. This lalid the Doctor entered from the Government and in true pioneer style he began life, being one of the first settlers of the township. The nearest postolliee was in Cailin- ville, fifteen miles away and their markets were St. Louis and Alton, where they journeyed with ox- teams, live days being required to make the trip. •110 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Some yours later Dr. and Mrs. Duncan went to Montgomery County, 111., where the lady, who was a consistent member and active worker in the Methodist Church, died at the age of seventy-five. The Doctor survived his wife some years and passed away in Sherman, Tex. He became a prominent man in every community in which he resided and was for many years Class-Leader in the Methodist Church. He was not a graduated physi- cian but won his title on account of his home practice, he doctoring with herbs which he gathered from the woods. The subject of this sketch first opened his eyes to the light of day on the farm which is still his home, February 13, 1834, and there his childhood and youth were passed. It has been his home con- tinuously since yet he has traveled extensively over the country. He has been engaged in the stock business both in Illinois and Kansas on his own account and for other patties and in this way has come in contact with many people. His trav- els have made him familiar with the ways of the world and he has gained thereby a knowledge of men and their customs which lie could not have acquired from text books. In Montgomery County, 111., Mr. Duncan led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah O. Johnston, who was born in Plainfield, Will County, 111., in 1843, and when young removed to Montgomery County with her parents, Andrew and Laura (Maltby) Johnston, who located in Litchfield, where the hus- band engaged in railroad contracting. Subsequently they removed to a farm but finally went to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where Mr. John- ston's death occurred. His widow is yet living in that Slate, at the age of three-score and ten. Six children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, of whom four are yet living: Edgar, who married Alice Simmons, is engaged in farming and stock raising in Dickinson County, Kan.; Laura B., O. Leroy and Myrtic are at home; Minnie is now de- ceased; and the sixth child died in infancy. In politics Mr. Duncan is a Republican and a stalwart advocate of the party principles. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, in which he has served as Steward and Trustee. He is charitable and benevolent, a friend to the poor and needy and has lead a useful and upright life. With the history of this county he has been identified for fifty-seven years, having witnessed almost its entire growth and develop- ment and in all possible ways he has aided in its upbuilding, proving himself a worthy citizen who has the best interests of the community at heart. "' ' *hj- J^ sA RS. MARGARET IIOCHREITNER. It is unusual that a lady develops a business enterprise and tact enough to go ahead and independently make her own fortune. A century ago such a thing was almost unheard of. Now it is more common, but the traditions of womanly dependence are still strong upon the sex and when one steps out and makes a success of busi- ness life she really becomes a notable personage. The lady whose name heads this sketch owns a fine farm on section 18, North Otter Township, and has so ably managed it that it is one of the most desir- able places in the township. The lady of whom we write is a native of Ger- many, where she was born Januar}' 8, 1824. Her father was Christopher Sturm and her mother was Christin (Braznar) Sturm, both natives of Ger- many. Both of our subject's parents died in their native land. Margaret grew to womanhood in Germany and continued to live there until she was twenty-one years of age when she went to Switzer- land. There she worked as a domestic until her marriage, which took place April 17, 1848, when she took up the duties of life for better or worse with Jacob Hochreitner, who was a native of Swit- erland, being there born August 25, 1799. After their marriage the3 - lived in Switzerland for three years and then they emigrated to America in 1851. Our subject and her husband on coming to this country settled first in Knoxville, Tenn., where the head of the family plied his trade which was that j of a blacksmith. They remained in Knoxville un- | til early in January, 1852, when they removed to I St. Louis, but being unable to find employment | there they came to Macoupin County and purchased I a tract of land in North Otter Township. Here PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 411 they settled and the home they erected was soon after saddened by the death of the husband. .Mr. Hochreitner died June 17, 1868. The original of this sketch has since carried on the farm herself and now owns one hundred and thirty-eight acres, live acres of which she rents. She has made valuable improvements upon the farm, having erected a nice home and built several outbuildings. She is the mother of the following children: the eldest, William, is a farmer in North Otter Township; George died at the early age of one and one-half years; and Mary E. is the wife of Charles Hagler. Two are deceased. Mrs. Hochreitner, who is a member of the Luth- eran Church, is an intelligent woman who knows how to attend to her own affairs without interfer- ing with the business of others. Kind and gener- ous in her natural impulses, she is liked and re- spected by all who know her. ^p^EORGE Q. GORDY, a well-known business man of Carlinville. is a dealer in agricul- £j tural implements, carriages, wagons, etc. He is a native of Maryland, born in that, State, in the town of Salisbury, Worcester County, January 31, 1844. His father, Leonard Gordy, was born near that town on a farm, and was a son of William Gordy, a native of the same place, who was derived from earl} - English ancestry, and passed his entire life in Worcester County, where lie was engaged both as a farmer and as a Methodist preacher. The father of our subject learned the trade of a carpenter in his youth, and followed it in Mary- land until he went to Missouri, when he was a young man. After a stay there of five years he went back to his native State, married, and spent the rest of his days there, dying in 1849. The maiden name of his wife was Mary E. Mitchell, anil she was born on a farm near Salisbury, Md. Her father, William Mitchell, was born on the same farm, and spent Ins whole life in his native county, devoting himself to his occupation asa farmer. He married Mary Hall, a native of the same locality, and :ilso a life-long resident of Worcester County. She was still a young woman when her husband died and left her with three small children to care for. She continued to live on the farm, and care- fully reared her offspring to good and useful lives. She has attained a venerable age, and now makes her home with her son John 15. James A. and George Q. are the names of her other children. The latter of whom we write was but about five years old when his father died, lie grew up much bke other farmer boys, early learning to do farm work, attending school only in the winter seasons that he might assist in farming the rest of the year. He remained at home with his mother until he was sixteen yens old. and then commenced life for himself, working out on a farm by the month in Maryland until 1 804. In that year he came to Illi- nois, and in Chicago found employment in driving a vegetable wagon from Tremont Garden. He was thus engaged one year, and at the expiration of that time went, to Sangamon County and farmed a year. He next came to this county and learned the trade of a blacksmith at Carlinville. He did jour- ney work at that until 187G, when he opened ashop on his own account. The following year he formed a partnership with J. C. Myer, that continued until March. 18'JO. In 1888 he became interested in the sale of agricultural implements, succeeding Theo- dore Moore, who had been in the business a num- ber of years. lie has a well-fitled-up and well- stocked store, carrying always the best in his line, and deriving a good income from his extensive trade. One of the most important events in the life of our subject, was his marriage, February 21, 1870, to Miss Sarah E. Baird, whereby he secured one of life's choicest blessings, a good wife. Mrs. Gordy is a native of Alton, this Stale. Her otherwise happy wedded life with our subject, has been sad- dened by the death of their two children: Clara K.. who died at the age of live years; and Lucy, who died at the age of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Gordy have an adopted child. Jessie M., upon whom they lavish the tenderest care and affection. Our subject stands high in business circles as an honorable, straightforward man, who deals fairly by all. He is a member of the Methodist Kpisco- 412 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. pal Church, and we find him helping to carry for- ward its every good work for the social and relig- ious elevation of the community. In his political views Mr. Gordy is a stanch Demociat. EW. HAYES, one of the leading attorneys of the county and one of the prominent mem- bers of the bar, lias been a resident of Bun- ker Dill for twenty-four years. Public-spirited and progressive, he has done much for her inter- ests. Mr. Hayes is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Franklin County, Janu- ary 30, 1837. The family is of Irish origin and was founded in America by David Hayes, who with other brothers emigrated to this country prior to the Revolution. He settled near Dauphin, Pa., and after some years, with his wife, whose maiden nr.mc was Mary Wilson, removed to Franklin County, becoming pioneers of that region, which was then just opening up to civilization. Upon a farm in South Hampton Township they spent the remain- der of their lives and two generations lived there after them. Wilson Hayes was born and reared on that old homestead, of which he afterward became owner and there lived and labored for many years, his death occurring at the age of seventy-two. He married Martha Culbertson, who was also of Irish descent, and like her husband was a faithful mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. The}- became parents of six children, the eldest of whom was Da- vid, the father of our subject. He came into pos- session of the old home on the death of his father and there resided for man}- years, when he sold and removed to Shippensburg, Cumberland County, where his death occurred at the age of sixty -seven years. He had adhered to the faith of his fathers and was an upright, honored man. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Nancy Cowell, is a native of Cumberland County and yet makes her home in Shippensburg, being now eighty years of age, but still hale and hearty She, too, is a Presbyterian and a consistent Christian woman. Our subject is the eldest of six sons and two daughters who were born unto David and Nancy Hayes. All lived to mature years and all were married but one. Five of the family are yet liv- ing. The early life of E. W. passed uneventfully, nothing of special occurrence breaking the usual routine. In thespringof 1861 he donned the blue and became a member of Company A, Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry and the regiment was as signed to the Army of the Potomac, participating in most of the engagements of the East, including the first and second battles at Bull Run, Antictam, Fredericksburg and many others. Mr. Hayes saw much hard fighting but was never wounded, how- ever. He was taken sick with typhoid fever, which incapacitated him for duty and he was dis- charged. For some time after his return home he was unable to resume work, but time and good nursing at length brought back his health. In the meantime, Mr. Hayes had begun the study of law. He had acquired his literary education in Lafayette College, of Easton, Pa., and began fit- ting himself for the legal profession in the law of- fice of R.P, McClure, of Carlisle, Pa., with whom he remained until he entered the service. When his health was restored he returned to his old pre- ceptor and was admitted to the bar in 1865. He was admitted to practice in the courts of Illinois about two years later and located in Bunker Hill, where he has since made his home. He has an en- viable reputation as a practitioner and ranks high, not only among his professional brethren of Ma- coupin County, but throughout the State as well. In Franklin County, Pa., Mr. Hayes was joined in wedlock with Miss Margaret F. Heck, a native of Cumberland County, born in Shippensburg, July 18, 1848. She is a daughter of Jacob and Marga- ret (Sturgeon) Heck, and on the paternal side is of old Pennsylvania Dutch stock, while the Sturgeons arc of Scotch- Irish descent. Her mother died in the Keystone State at the age of seventy years. Her father spent the last twelve years of his life with his daughter, Mrs. Hayes, in Bunker Hill, and died at the age of eighty-eight. They were both life long members of the Presbyterian Church. They had quite a large family, but the wife of our subject is the only one now living. She obtained a good practical education, is a pleasant and intelli- gent ladv and is an active and faithful member of the URMRT or THE UHrVERSITY OF IUINOIC A -iC&lXjla - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 415 Congregational Church, to which Mr. Hayes also belongs and in which for years lie has been an offi- cer. They have an interesting family of five chil- dren — Margaret G., Bertha, Edgar H., Ralph H. and Joseph A.; they have hist one child, Alma. Mr. Hayes is a stalwart Republican and was twice nominated for County Judge, but was defeated, owing to the large preponderance of Democrats in the county. He frequently attends the county and Slate conventions of his party, where his opinions are received with every degree of respect. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Veteran Union. With the leading interests of Bunker Hill he has been prominently connected, being now a Director in the Bunker Hill Nail Com- pany, President of the Cemetery Association, ex-President and one of the Directors of the Library Association and President of the School Board. All social, moral and educational interests End in him a warm friend and Bunker Hill has no belter citizen. •i&Sm- — OLUMBl'S WHEELER. The farming com- munity of Brushy Mound Township recog- nizes in the subject of this notice a repre- sentative citizen and a most successful agriculturist. He is the owner of a fine landed estate comprising nearly seven hundred acres. On his home farm be has erected a commodious frame bouse and barn, and all necessaiy and adequate buildings, and has improved the land until it presents a very attrac- tive appearance. The attention of the reader is in- vited to his portrait on the opposite page. The native place of our subject is Christian County, Ky., and the date of bis birth April 7, 1826. His father, James Wheeler, was, it is thought, born in New England, and when a young men he went South, settling in Kentucky, where he engaged in teaching school. In Christian County he married Miss Catherine Harlan, who is thought to have been a native of Kentucky, and was a daughter of Jehu Harlan. In the fall of 18:32, ac- companied by bis wife, three children, and five of his wife's brothers and sisters, Mr. Wheeler started for Illinois, journeying with teams, and cooking and camping by the way. He located in Macoupin County, settling in Gillespie Township on land which his father-in-law had purchased for him. At that lime there were but a few settlers in the county, and he was thus numbered among its early pio- neers. The greater part of the land was held by the Government, and later was sold for $1.25 an acre. Where the town of Bunker Hill now stands there was but one building, and that was a log cabin. Deer, wolves, wild turkeys and sand bill cranes were very plentiful. Into the log cabin that stood on the place the family moved, though it was a rude structure at best. No sawed lumber entered into its construc- tion; the clapboards on the roof were rived by hand, and held in place by poles; the doors were made of boards split by hand, and had wooden hinges; the floor was of puncheon, and the chim- ney of earth and sticks. Mr. Wheeler bought other Government land near the home place, and was a resident of (iillespie Township until his death, when his community was deprived of a valued citi- zen, who had contributed his share in the develop- ment of the agricultural interests of the county. He was twice married. By his first wife, mother of our subject, there were five children, and by his second wife two children. Columbus Wheeler was but eight years old when lie accompanied his parents to Illinois, and he at- tended the first school ever taught in Gillespie Township. It was held in a log house, and the seats were made by splitting basswood logs, and hewing one side smooth, and then inserting wooden pins for legs. There were no backs to the seats, and desks were an unknown quantity. A substi- tute for the latter was made by splitting a log, and placing it against the wall at a convenient height, it thus serving as a writing desk for the larger scholars. On one side of the bouse a log was cut out to admit the light. As soon as large enough our subject commenced assisting on the farm, residing at home until twenty- three years old, when he settled on the place he now owns and occupies. At that time it consisted of eighty acres of prairie and twenty of timber. He first erected a small frame house, hewing the frame and riving the shingles to cover the roof, and also 4i r. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the boards for the sides, and built the house en- tirely himself. He lias since replaced it by a line and well-appointed residence, and has greatly added to the value of his landed property by the many fine improvements that he has made, besides increas- ing its acreage. On the 26lh of April, L849, Mr. Wheeler and Miss Naomi Wilson were united i.) marriage. Mrs. Wheeler was bom June 13, 1831, in Logan County, Ky., and is a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Mitch- ell) Wilson. Her father was a pioneer of Madison County, this State, where he settled in 1834. The following year he came to Macoupin County, and became an early settler of Brushy Mound Town- ship. He bought a squatter's claim on section 19, entered it from the Government, built on it, and there resided until death closed his mortal career. His wife also died on the home farm in Brushy Mound Township. Of the sixteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, six are living — Lima E., Carrie. Fred- erick. Terry. Bird and Grace. Carrie is the wife of Jefferson Dedrick, and has one child Nellie; Fred- erick married Nellie Swank. Mr. Wheeler and his estimable wife are members in high standing of the Baptist Church. Their unpretentious, sensible and upright lives, and their kindly interest in their community at large, have won them the hearty good will of their associates, and the friendly re- gard of those to whom they are not intimately known. , HI BEN J. ALLMOND, M. D. One who has been for many 3'ears the trusted counsel- or of a community in times of sickness, has gradually and almost imperceptably grown into a position of trust and usefulness which may well be envied by those who spend their lives in de- votion to mere money making. Such has been the life work of Dr. Allmond who has been in practice longer than any other physician in the county, and has earned the success and the respect which is universally accorded him. He was born in Wil- mington, Del., August 11, 1818. His father, William, was born two miles from that city, and the grandfather, Thomas, was a native of the same locality, and was there reared and married. He was a farmer and also a stonemason by trade, and he erected upon his farm nine commodious stone barns. He was a tremendous worker, and quarried this stone at night and wheeled it at night onto the scaffold from which in the daytime he erected the structure. The great-grandfather of our subject was, according to the best information at hand, an emigrant from England to America. His name was Thomas and with his brother John he was among the first settlers upon the banks of the Delaware River. They built a cave for their home and there resided until they were able to purchase land and build houses. The father of our subject learned the trade of a shoemaker but did not follow it any length of time. He carried on a boot and shoe store in Wilmington in which business he continued a number of years. He lived to a very advanced age, dying when ninety-one years old. The maiden name of his wife was Phoebe Jefferies. she was a native of Wilmington and a daughter of David and Martha Jefferies. She reared seven sons and four daugh- ters, and spent her entire life in her native city. Reuben, the eldest of this family, was reared and educated in his native city, and commenced the stud}' of medicine when he was sixteen years old, being matriculated at Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and taking ins diploma there in the spring of 1839. He commenced his medical prac-i tice at Talleyville, Newcastle County, Del., and continued there until 1849. He then removed to Ohio, making his home in Morgan County until 1853. After this he practiced in Ogle County, III., earn ing on a farm at the same time. In 1858 he sold this property and removed to Piasa, Macoupin County, where he practiced until 1861, when he made his permanent home in Palmyra. The first marriage of Dr. Allmor.d occurred in 1841, when he was happily united with Ann **>£&&te«'< dP^ AMUEL LEE, dealer in wines and liquors ^^# at Bunker Hill, has carried on business 111// ))) since 1877. lie is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Northampton- shire, in the month of November, 1850. Tracing his ancestry back until history was lost in tradition we see that the family is of pure English stock. The father of our subject, George Lee, was also a native of Northamptonshire, and in that county was united in marriage. His wife died in her na- tive land in the prime of life, leaving a family of four children, of whom Samuel is the third in order of birth. After the death of his first wife George Lee was a second time married, his union being with Mrs. Anna Wall nee King, who was also born and reared in Northamptonshire, and was there married the first time. By her first union she had one child. The eldest brother of our subject, Josiah Lee, was the first of the family to come to the United States, the date of his emigration being between 1850 and 1860. When the late war broke out he manifested his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting as a member of Company E, Seventh Ill- inois Infantry, in which he served until the South was conquered. He then returned to his home in Macoupin County, for nine long months during his service he had been confined in Andersonville prison. He was married and was engaged in busi- ness in Bunker Hill at the time of his death, which occurred in 1876. William Lee, the second of the family, wedded Mary Mahoney and is now living in St. Louis. John II. is successfully engaged in the livery business in Bunker Hill, where he keeps a well-equipped stable and is also owner of the fine thoroughbred horse, ••Brilliance." We now tr.ke up the personal history of our sub' ject who spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native land a. id was there educated. He was only three years old when his mother died. In 1870, in company with his elder brother John, he bade good-by to Merry England, and taking passage on a Westward bound steamer, sailed from Liverpool to New York, whence he came across the country to Bunker Hill, where he has resided continuously since, covering a period of twenty-one consecutive years. Three years later he was joined by his father and step-mother who are yet residing at this place. George Lee is now seventy years of age and his wife has attained the age of sixty six years. Both are members of the Episcopal Church. In 1877 our subject established his business in Bunker Hill and continued in it at his first location until 1881, when he removed to the building which is his present place of business. From the early age of eight years he has made his own way in the world, depending entirely upon his own efforts, and the success he has achieved in life is due to his own industry and push. He was married in Bunker Hill, to Miss Louisa Brandenburger, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., January 9, 1859, but grew to womanhood in this locality where her parents located during her childhood. They are of German birth and still reside in Bunker Hill. Five children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lee, and the family circle yet remains unbroken. In order 1IBRARY Of THE WIVERSITV OF ILLINOIS PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1-27 of birth they are ns follows: Samuel G., Laura J., Joseph \V., Christina E. and Walter S. Mr. ami Mrs. Lee attend the Episcopal Church and in poli- tics he is a supporter of the Republican party. ffl? EWTS M. PEEBLES, who is now living in I (® retirement from active business at (,'arlin- IW-^- ville, has been vaiiously identified with the interests of this count}- for many years, especially with its agriculture, and his place is among our most useful and honorable citizens. He was born in Hart County, Ky., January 23, 1833. His par- ents were Bird and Nancy (Brooks) Peebles, the former of whom was born in North Carolina No- vember 8, 1795, and the latter in La Rue County, Ky., October 21, 1798. The}' were married in the latter county January 8, 1818; and settled in Hart County, the same Stale, where they lived until 1839. In that year the parents came to this Slate, and cast in their lot with the pioneers of this county. He became one of the leading farmers of his sec- tion, and was also prominent in public life. In 1848 he was elected County Commissioner, and held the ofliee four years. Both he and his good wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They died in Chesterfield Township, his death occurring in June, 1852, and hers in the fall of 18G7. They were the parents often children, nine of whom lived to grow up. They were among the oldest settlers of the county, and their names are held in reverence among those of its most worthy pioneers. lie of whom we write was six years of age when his parents came to this count)' and located in Chesterfield Township. Here he grew to man's estate, and for forty-four years he lived in the house that his father built in 1840.. He was given excellent educational advantages, and for six months was a student at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton. He was carefully trained in all that makes a good man and a good citizen, and high moral prin- ciples were early instilled into his mind. His par- ents were anions the leading members in building up the Methodist Episcopal Church in Chesterfield, and he was one of the first pupils I" attend the first Sunday-school that was established in Chesterfield Township. Our subject has been chiefly engaged in agricul- tural pursuits, am! formerly tanned quite exten- sively, and laised a good deal of stock, making a specialty of horses and cattle. lie still retains possession of his farm, which is one ol the finest in the county, comprising three hundred acres of choice land in Chesterfield and Western Mound Townships, which he rents, as on account of ill- health he is unable to superintend its cultivation. He has by no means confined himself to fanning. but with characteristic enterprise has branched out in other directions, and at one time was en- gaged in the drug and grocery business at Chester- Held. While living on his farm he built a brick kiln and manufactured brick for one year. In the spring of 1881 he rented his farm ami removed to the village of Chesterfield, where he continued to live two years. He then removed to Greenfield, Greene County, and was a resident of that place until August, 1890, when he took up his abode in the city of Carlinville, where he has since made his home. Mr. Peebles was married in Barr Township, this county. April 12, 1871, to .Miss Josephine A. Met- calf. Theirs is a true marriage, in which each has nobly met the responsibilities of domestic life, com- forted each other in its sorrows, and trebled its joys by their devotion to each others' interests. Three children have been born to them: Earl M., Roy B. and Ina. Ina died when nine months old. Both the sons are being given every advantage to secure a liberal education, and are al present stu- dents in Blackburn University. Mrs. Peebles is a native of this county, born in Barr Township August 28, 1840, a daughter of Richard J. Metcalf, one of its leading citizens. She remained with her parents in that township until her marriage, being reared to w auh i in the home of her birth. She was educated in the Melh- odist College at Jacksonville, and is a woman of much culture and tiue refinement. She is an ac- tive member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. as is also her youngest son. She is charitable and 428 PORTRAIT AMU BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. benevolent in her disposition, and her sympathies are enlisted in every good work in or out of her church. The father of Mrs. Peebles was born in Hopkins County, Ky., August 1, 1817, and was next to the youngest of a family of nine children. He was eighteen years old when he came to Macoupin County, and he was here married September 6, 1838, to Miss Mary .1. Buchanan, who had come to this county when she was ten years of age. She was born in Bourbon County, Ky., August 26, 1823. The youthful couple established their home among the pioneers of Barr Township, where they lived in contentment and happiness for more than forty years. In December, 1882, they removed to Greenfield, where she died October 26, 1886. He suivived her until March 2, 1890, when he too passed away. He was a farmer by occupation, but after his removal to Greenfield he engaged in the banking business, which he followed until a year previous to his death, when he was obliged to aban- don it on account of old age, and consequent fail- ing health. Mr. Metealf was prominent in public life during his residence in Barr Township. He represented the township two terms as a member of the Ma- coupin County Board of Supervisors, and was one of the Directors of the County Agricultural Board for several years. He also held various school offi- ces. About three years before his death he joined the Methodist Episcopal Chinch, of which his wife had been a devoted member since she was fifteen years old. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Mrs. Peebles is the eldest. Mr. Metealf took a good degree of interest in educational affairs, and was careful to give his children sound educations. He was a great lover of home, and his thoughts were centered in the domestic circle where he was the most devoted of husbands and the kindest of fathers. His neighbors found in him a true friend and a safe counselor, and be was honored and revered by all who knew him. We will add only a few more words to this brief outline of the life of our subject. He has always honored industry and integrity in thought and in example, in personal character he is above re- proach, and enjoys a high standing throughout the county. He has always manifested a deep interest in the welfare of the county, and has contributed his share to its rise and progress. He was Presi- dent of the Permanent Organization in Chester- field Township, for the purpose of assisting in building what is now known as the St. Louis, Al- ton & Springfield Railway, and subscribed very liberally toward the construction of the road. He has held some of the school offices and has used his influence to extend the educational advantages of his community. He represented Chesterfield Town- ship as a member of the Anti Court House Central Committee, of which Judge Lewis Solomon was Chairman. Our subject was Chairman of the first Anti Court House indignation meeting that was held in the county, and he was very influential in arousing public sentiment against the erection of the court house. Mr. Peebles was formerly actively engaged in church work in the Methodist Episcopal Church, until he was forty years old, and held various olli- ces in connection with it, such as that of Class- Leader, Superintendent of the Sunday-school, and was for a time Recording Steward. He is a tlior- j ough-going temperance man, and has long been a leader in the Prohibition party, it. being largely through his instrumentality that the party was or- ganized in this county, and he also assisted in the organization of the Prohibitionists in Greene County, into an effective working party. On another page of this volume the reader will I notice a portrait ol Mr. Peebles. •*ih ETER J. AHHENS, one of the oldest mer- chants in Gillespie who is doing a general merchandise business on Macoupin Street began business at his present stand in the spring of 1866. He now has a well-filled store' measuring 20x66 and a ware-room 16x20 feet in addition. Before coming to this city he was in the same line of business for a year at Staunton, but is now considered one of the oldest residents of this place, having come here when the village wj very small. The subject of our sketch was born in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 129 Holstein, Germany. May 29. 1826. He came of a good German family, a fuller history of which can be seen in the historical sketch of John M. Ahrens, to be found elsewhere in this Record. This son is one of seven children who grew to maturity in their native country, five of whom are now living in America. Peter was trained in the life of a farmer and he hail reached the age of twenty -three years before he started for the New World. He then set sail in May 1849, and coming in a sailing-vessel to the United States, landed in New York after a four weeks' voyage. lie came to Chicago and after- ward to this county. He farmed for awhile and later took up the business as above stated. The marriage of Peter Ahrens and Maria RutheH took place in Macoupin County, in May, 18.31. She was born in Hanover, Prussia, February 2, 1835. For fuller mention of this family, the reader is re- ferred to the biography of Charles Kuther. This young woman was reared and partly educated in Germany and in 1817 came with her parents to America. Their first home in the new country was near Brighton in this county and somervhat later they removed to Staunton. This bright and cap- able German lady has become the mother of ten children, three of whom died when young. Those who arc living are John, who is yet single, and is associated with his father in business, being the junior partner in the firm; Christina, the wife of Edgar Lightly, a mechanical engineer, who resides in Lansing, Kan.; George C, who has grown up in the mercantile business and is now assisting his father and brother by clerking in the store. His wife's maiden name was Lucy Burton. The four younger children, Carl, Anna, Fanny and Rosa, are at home. These children have inherited more than ordinary intellectual acumen and practical aptness for the duties of life. Fanny received her higher education at the German Methodist Episcopal Col- lege at Warrenton, Mo. The church under which this school is nourishing is the one to which our sub- ject and his wife are attached, and in which they find a broad field of usefulness and opportunity for labor. Mr. Ahrens is a sound Republican and one of the leading German-American citizens in this part of the county. For eight years past his neigh- bors have served themselves and honored him by placing him in the office of Justice of the Peace, an i. Hire which he has conducted in a manner which is n credit to himself and is highly satisfactory to all concerned. *s»r**Hi r. I OHN WHEELER, a respected resident of Bird Township, was born in Mason County Ky., September 6, 180G. His father, Benja- min, a native of Kentucky removed when this son was seven years old to Clermont County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. Early in the '30s Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Wheeler with one child left Ohio for Illinois, but on the way spent almost a year and a half in Indiana. In 1833 our subject came to Greene County, 111. and after a year's residence there arrived in Macoupin County in the fall of 18.il and made his permanent home in Bird Township John Wheeler first bought one hundred and sixty acres but finally increased it to two hundred and fifty-eight acres, which he now owns, although at one time he possessed some twelve hundred acres which he has parted with, lie improved his farm and erected comfortable buildings, am) was suc- cessful in his enterprises. He has always from the first been provided with the necessities and many of the comforts of life. The marriage of our subject took place in Cler- mont County, Ohio, his bride being Miss Mary Cameron. She was born in Fleming County, Ky., October 22, 1803. They became the parents of the following children: Lucinda, and Amanda who died in infancy; William, who married Mary J. Lee; Barbara, who is Mrs. Jonas Ribble; Francis M., who married Miss Shull and later Miss Lucy Haynes; lluldah, who is the wife of John R. Stew- ard; Calvin, who married Lizzie Kane. Mr. Wheeler has been a member of the School Board and is always deeply interested in educa- tional affairs, promoting in every way possible the interests of the young people of the community-: He is justly proud of his ancesl ry as his grandfather John Wheeler, was a soldier under Gen. Washing- ton for four years in the Revolutionary days. His 430 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. political views are of the strong Jacksonian Demo- cratic kind and lie is ever ready with his ballot to help carry out the principles which 'he indorses. Farming and stock-raising have occupied his efforts and interests. Like all old settlers he lias seen great changes in his township, and rejoices in the pros- perity of the region which he made his home so many years a^o. To all such great credit is due for the prosperity and enlightenment which now blesses the younger members of society and which has made of Illinois a State of which all Americans feel proud. Not one of the family has died since our subject came to Illinois. VARNEY HALL is a representative of the native-born citizens of this county who within the past tew years have stepped for- ward to aid in carrying on the great agri- cultural interests of this section. He is a descend- ant of the good old pioneer slock of the early years of the settlement of the Stale, and was born .September 1, 1867, on section 0, Brushy Mound Township, on his father's old homestead, a part of which he now owns and operates. Our subject is a son of the late Harrison Hall, a former well-known, wealthy farmer of this county, who was born in 1832, in Jarvis Township, Madi- son County, a son of one of its early settlers, Henry Hall. The latter was a native of Kentucky, and after his removal to this State lie bought and im- proved a farm in Jarvis Township, and died there. Harrison Hall was reared and educated in his native county. There were no free schools in his youth, and all had to pay for their schooling. As his early life was passed on a farm he became in time a good, practical farmer. He continued to reside in Madison County until 1856, when became to Macoupin County, and bought a tract of land on section 6, Brushy Mound Township, which was mostly covered with timber, but r>. few acres were in cultivation and a set of log buildings stood on the place. In the busy years that, followed he be- came prosperous, carrying on his agricultural pur- suits very successfully, and at different times buy ing other land, and at the time of his death he was the possessor of four hundred and fifty acres of choice land, and was one of the solid men of the township, whose growth he had actively helped to promote. He died here in the pleasant home that he had built up, in November, 1888, and his mem- ory is held in respect for his good citizenship and for his sterling worth in all the relations that he sustained toward others. He had married Cassie Ann Hall, who preceded him in death in February, 1885. She was a native of Brushy Mound Township, born in 1842, and a daughter of an old pioneer family of I his State. •Her father. Mathew II. Hall, was born in Madison County, June 14, 1819, and was a son of James and Mary (Walker) Hall, for whose history see sketch of .Q ljyei- Ha ll. Matthew Hall was four years old when his parents brought him to Ma- coupin County, of which they thus became early pioneers, settling here in 1823. After marriage with Mrs. Ann (Sheton) Moore, widow of John Moore, he bought a tract of hind on section 6, Brushy Mound Township, which had not then been organized and named, and engaged in farm- ing there some years. He then traveled in the Western country four years, and since his return has resided with his brother Oliver. His wife died on the homestead in 1888. The subject of this sketch was given excellent educational advantages, and received a good train- ing in everything that pertains to agriculture on the old homestead that was his birthplace, so that he was well equipped for his vocation when he adoptee) farming for his lifcwoik. He is now proprietor of a part of the old farm, having one hundred and sixty-nine acres of fine land, that is under a high state of cultivation, pleasantly located two miles from the Court House. His place is amply sup- plied with good frame buildings and farm machin- ery of all kinds, and is well cared for in every re- spect. Mr. Hall was happily married September 30, 1888, to Miss Kate Milton Metcalf, adopted daugh- ter of the Rev. T. M. and Emma (Thayer) Metcalf, of whom see sketch on another page of this vol- ume. Their pleasant household circle is completed PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 431 by their little son, whom they have named Howard Mclcalf. Our subject, though one of the youngest mem- bers of his calling in his native township, is manag- ing his affairs with a discretion, clearness of judg- ment and foresight, that would do credit to a far more experienced farmer, and that bid fair to place hita one day among the leading agriculturists of this locality. He and his wife are possessed of many pleasant, social and hospitable qualities, and stand well among their fellow-citizens. Mrs. Hall is an active worker in the Baptist Church, of which she is a member. •;«•♦•»:• r ^)LI F. BLOCHER is a prosperous resident of .U] Girard Township, born in Darke County, ^ Ohio, January 29. 1855. The father, David Blocher, was a native of the Keystone State and when a young man removed with his parents to Ohio. He went back to Pennsylvania to wed the girl he had left behind him and then returning to Ohio, took up his residence there for a time. Af- ter a while he made his home in Indiana, but after a few years went back to Ohio and resided in Darke County until about the year 1868, when he removed to the Prairie State, making his home first in Bond and later in Macoupin County. Here he bought the farm where his son Eli now lives and died at that residence in March, 1886. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Susanna Warner. She reared eight of her chil- dren to years of maturity and passed away from earth while the family home was in Ohio. This son was but thirteen years old when bis parents came to Illinois and here he grew to manhood. He commenced quite early to help his father on the farm anil he resided with the latter until that pat- ent went to Girard and then he assumed the man- agement of the old homestead, which he now owns and occupies. Eli Blocher was married in March, 1880, to Sal- oma Frantz, who was born in Franklin County, Va., as were also her father and grandfather, both of whom bore the name of Samuel. The grandfather owned and occupied a farm in Franklin County and his son learned the trade of a miller and followed it while living in Virginia. In 1863 he removed thence to Greene County, Ohio, and there farmed until 1868, when he came to Macoupin County and purchased the farm upon which Mr. and Mrs. Blocher now reside. Here he prepared to engage in farming, but his death, which occurred here the following spring, cut short his life plans. His be- reaved widow is still living and resides wilh her children. Her name before marriage was Magda- lina Bru baker and she was born in Botetourt County, Va., October 31, 1817, her parents being Henry and Saloma (Eler) Brubaker. For further history of this family the reader will consult the sketch of Moses Brubaker. She married twice, Mr. Blocher, the father of our subject, being her second husband. By her first marriage she had iwo chil- dren, whom she reared to maturity, Mrs. Bloeher's sister being Lizzie, now Mrs. John Huber. The children who have come to bless the home of our subject rue Charles M., Eddie O, Dora A. and Net- tic M. The parents are devout and earnest mem- bers of the German Baptist Church, in which they find a broad field of influence and labor. They are one and all a family who richly deserve the friendly good will and respect which is accorded them by their neighbors. ,0* ffl - R. JACOB T. DICKERSON, who is suc- cessfully engaged in the drug business in Brighton and to some extent practices medi- cine, was born in Sussex County, Del., on the 26th of February, 182!), and is a son of Peter and Sarah (Laughiin) Dickerson. IJ is father was a native of New Jersey, but grew to manhood in Delaware, where he met and married Sarah Laughiin. Both, however, had been previously married. The lady was a native of Sussex County, Del., of Scotch descent. They lived as fanning people and after a long and useful life of three-score years passed away. Mrs. Dickerson was s member of the Meth- odist Church, which Mr. Dickerson also attended. He was a soldier of the War of 1812. 432 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Our subject lias one sister who is yet living — Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Murphy, of Niles, 111. Upon his father's farm the Doctor grew to man- hood and acquired a good literary education, though his school training was very limited. Pos- sessing a studious nature, in his leisure evenings by his own fire light he would peruse those volumes which served as the basis of a good, practical knowledge. Deciding to make the profession his life work, he entered upon ils study under the direction of John S. Prettyinan, of Milford, Del. He afterward entered the Philadelphia Eclectic College, from which he was graduated on the 18th of February, 1860. He then resolved t<> locate in the West, where lie believed better openings were afforded ambitious young men. and on the 16th of July, 1860, drove to Brighton and hung out his shingle, soliciting the patronage of all those in need of medical services. From the beginning bis practice constantly increased, and he successfully engaged in the prosecution of his profession until within a few years, when he aban- doned that work. In 1865 he established a drug store, which he has since carried on. being now the owner of one of the leading establishments of the kind in Brighton. He also carries a full line of hardware. The Doctor was united in marriage, in 1861, with Mrs. Amanda Whitloek. whose maiden name was Loveland. By her first marriage was born one child, who died young. Unto our subject and his worthy wife have been born one son, Leonard M., an enterprising and wide-awake young busi- ness man, who is now associated with his father in business. He married Miss Jennetta Robert- son, and one child graces their union, Donald. Since locating here the Doctor has been numbered among the prominent citizens of the community, and by his fellow-townsmen has frequently been called upon to serve in positions of public trust. He has filled most of the offices of the township and village, and at present is Supervisor of the town of Brighton. In politics he is a Republican and his opinions are received with respect in the local councils of his party. Socially he is con- nected with the Knights of Honor and the Odd- Fellows societ}-, of Brighton, of which he is a charter member. An intelligent and broad-minded man, the Doctor possesses qualities of sterling worth, and is esteemed alike by those with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. He won a position in the front rank of his profession, keeping always abreast of the times, and the same enterprise has characterized his career as a druggist. 6 <-^> ILBERT KEIRLE. The calling of agricul- ture promises a peaceful life and assured V_>4 maintenance to the careful student of nat- ural economy. Such an one is Gilbert Keirle, re- siding on section 10, Bunker Hill Township, where he has lived for ten years and now owns one hun- dred and fifty acres of land, that is for the most part highly cultivated, well stocked and supplied with good buildings. Mr. Keirle came here from Ililyard Township, where he lived on a farm live years. Prior to that lime be resided for three and a half years in Brighton Township, coming in Au- gust, 1871, to Bunker Hill Township where he has since resided. Mr. Keirle was born in Somersetshire, June 3, 1853. He was reared and educated in London and Bristol while he was still young, being only eight- een years of age when he came to the United States. The lad took passage at Liverpool on the steamer "City of Washington" of the Inman line, landing in New York and coming thence to Brighton Township. Macoupin County, where he has since been engaged as a farmer. He worked for the first two and a half years as a laborer. The parents of our subject, Job and Mary (Baker) Keirle, were natives of Somersetshire, En- gland, and they came of English parents who lived and died at that place. Job Keirle and his wife, after the birth of all their children, decided that the New World offered inducements not to be found in the Old, and there upon came to the States in 1881, bringing with them all their children ex- cepting two married daughters who yet live iu England. One son and one daughter were buried in England. They settled in Hilyard Township PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 433 ami later cnme to Hunker Hill Township and are yet living here, having attained to a good old ago. Mr. Keirle is sixtj -five years of age anil Mrs. Keirle gixty-one years of age. The latter is a member of the Episcopal Church. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the large family horn to his parents. He was married in Brighton Township to Miss Emma Reader. The lady was born in Dorsetshire, England. October 3, 1848, and was the daughter of Robert and Sarah ( Hawlings) Reader, natives of Dorsetshire. All of the family on the maternal side were born and reared in England, though all but one are now in the United States. The wife and mother is deceased, having died August 15, 1891; she made her home with her daughter. Mrs. Keirle. She was eighty- two years old and with the exception of the loss of her sight was still smart and active. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Keirle. the subjects of this sketch, has been blessed with six children. The second. Harry L. is deceased ; the remainder, all living at home, are Albert, Frank R.. Otto H., Oscar F. and Eph. Mrs. Keirle is an efficient mem- ber of the Congregational Church and is a Repub- lican in politics. Mrs. Keirle is a devoted Baptist. OSEPH LOTTER. a practical German farmer, residing on section 23. Staunton Township, has made his home in this com- munity for about a third of a century. He was born in the Province of Byron on the Rhine, August lfi, 1829, and is a son of Charles and Anna (Coleman) Lotter, who were also natives of the same Province. His father was a cooper by trade and followed that business throughout his entire life. Both were members of the Catholic Church and lived to an advanced age. Our subject is one of the youngest of a large family. The only ones that came to America aie himself and his sister, who married and had a large family. She is now living in Muscoutah, III., at the age of sixty-one years. Our subject acquired his education in the schools of his native country, and remained under the pa- rental roof until nineteen years of age. when wish- ing to begin life for himself be left his home and also his native land. It was his de-ire to try his fortune in America, and in the spring of 1848, he sailed from Havre. France, reaching New Orleans after a voyage of forty-six days. Making his way up the Father of Waters to St. Louis, he learned the cooper's trade in that city and followed it fin- some years, becoming a skilled workman. At length he came to this county, about 18G0, and lo- cated upon the farm which is still his home. It comprises one hundred and eighteen and a half acres of land, on sections 23 and 24, and by his un- tiring efforts it has been placed under a high state of cultivation and supplied with many improve- ments, including all the necessary buildings and machinery. He also raises a good grade of stuck and is regarded as one of the practical and pro- gressive farmers in the community. While living in St. Louis, Mr. Lotter led to the marriage altar Miss Julia Roughmann, who was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, and came to this country with her parents, Charles and Anna (Friezel) Roughmann, who crossed the ocean landing at New Orleans, and came up the Mississ- ippi to Madison County, where the} - resided with a daughter until called to the home beyond. The death of the father was caused by falling down a (light of stairs when quite old, and his wife was well advanced in years when she passed s.way. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Lotter was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1887. She died in the early morning of the first day of the new year, when Hearing her fifty-third birthday, having been born February 17, 1834. In religious belief she too was a Luth- eran. Five children were left to mourn her loss — Mary, wife of William Winder, a blacksmith of Warden, 111.; George, who aids in the operation of the home farm; Anne, married R. Vogt and lives in Mt. Olive, 111.; Elvina. wife of Ernst Jacob, a butcher of Warden ; and Julia, who is also deceased. Three children of the family had died in childhood — Tena. Charles and Henry. Mr. Lotter was a second time married in Staun- ton Township, to Mrs. Mary Rurghsrdt, who was born in Indiana, and with her parents removed •<> 434 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Belleville, 111., where she was the first time mar- ried. By that union she had one child, John, who now holds the responsible position of manager of the mines owned by the Consolidated Coal Com- pany at Mt. Olive. Mr. Lotter and his wife attend the German Catholic Church at Staunton and in politics he and his son are Democrats. They are people of Sterling worth, who are widely and fa- vorably known throughout this community and have many friends within the township. Tf) W. HARTKE. The members of a success- ful farming community are always de- pended upon to furnish the bone and sin- ews of our social, commercial and national life. A country, no matter how rich, which is under the control of unreliable and shiftless farmers can never help in building up villages, towns and cities which will prove of value to the world. The financial and social progress of Macoupin County has been largely increased by the influx into it in its early days, of such men as .Mr. Ilarlke. This successful German farmer residing on section 13, Cahokia Township, has a well-improved farm of more than five hundred acres, upon which he has been residing for over eight years. His previous residence for the same length of time had been Mt. Olive, where he was engaged in general merchan- dising. It was in 186G that our subject first came to Macoupin County and after farming here for some time near Mt. Olive, he did business in St. Louis, Mo., in the wholesale and retail grocery trade. Later he returned to Mt. Olive, where he made his home until he came to Cahokia. Mr. Ilartke was born in Prussia. Germany, in Hanover Province, April 15, 1843. He came of good German stock and his parents, William and Minnie (Fromeman) Ilartke, being natives of Prussia, where they lived and died, passing away when they had completed their threescore years. They were engaged in agriculture throughout life and were sincere believers in the Christian faith, being members of the Lutheran Church. Our sub- ject is one of a large family of children and he grew up in his native province. In 1863, when he was about twenty years old, he set out to the United States, embarking at Bremen in a sailing vessel, and landed in New York City after a five weeks' voyage. They still set their faces Westward, making St. Louis their objective point. Later he came to this county and made it his home. It was on September 21, 1875, when young Ilartke was married at Mt. Olive to Miss Minnie Kruse, who was born on her father's farm in Macoupin County, near Mt. Olive, November 15, 1856. She is the daughter of an old settler. Henry Kruse, now deceased, and of Mrs. Minnie Kruse, who is yet living on the old homestead. She is one of the large land owners in this county and in her declining years is able to surround herself with every comfort. The daughter was reared and edu- cated in this county, and after the marriage with our subject became the mother of seven children, all of whom are still residing at home with their parents. They are namely: William IL, Henry W., Louis .1., Anna W., Sophia F., Emma L. and Au- gust F. Mr. and Mrs. Hartke and their children are all devout Lutherans. Mr. llarlke's political \ Lews have led him to affiliate with the Republican party, in the progress ami prosperity of which he feels a keen interest. p^y\ US. MARY A. EASLEY, a resident of Bird Township, is a daughter of James and Rhoda (Regan) Hnskey, natives of Tennessee, who came to Macoupin County. 111., at a very early day and lived in Bird Town- ship, until death ended their labors and they were buried here. They had thirteen children, of whom Mrs. Easley was the fifth in order of birth. She first saw the light in Alabama, May 20, 1821, and was about thirteen years old when her parents removed to this county. She grew to womanhood in Bird Township, which has been her home ever since she came to this State with the exception of two years which she spent in W r estern Mound Township. 1IBRART Of TffF UNIVERSITY OF ILUNOIC . .'Thr m ■--»■• j%^ : / yrvOyru PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 437 The marriage of this lady with Isaac N. Edwards took place Octobev 4, 1838, in Bird Township. Mr. Edwards died in December, 1800. By that marriage she had ten children, namely: Mary J., James II. and John N.. deceased; Rhoda E. ; Grif- fith A.. Racbael E. and Daniel F., deceased; Oliver N., Hilda E. and Amanda M., deceased. This lady's second marriage was solemnized March 4, 1866. Her husband, (ieorge W. Easley, lived but about six years after his marriage, when he passed away in September, 1872. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which his widow is also active and where she has been a member since she was sixteen years old. She owns one hundred and twenty acres of rich, productive land. Mrs. Easley 's surviving children have all established homes of their own. Mary J. is the wife of Z. Loveless; Rhoda E. is Mrs. John Stokes; Oliver N. married Miss Etta Cook, and Rilda E. is Mrs. J. W. Parrott. Their mother is a lady who is sincere in the discharge of her reli- gious duties and is respected by all who know her. ^fi OHN SLOMAN, who has for more than thirty years been prosperously engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in this county, is one of the substantial and well-to-do farmers of Honey Point Township, where he has a fine farm. He was born near the village of High Bighington, Devonshire, England, April 30, 1831. His father was James Sloman, a native of the same shire, and his paternal grandfather was Zachariah Sloman, who so far as known, spent his entire life there. James Sloman was reared to the vocation of a farmer, and carried on his calling on English soil until 1811, when became to this country, bring- ing with him his wife and four children. The family set sail from Appledore in April, but when the ship was nearly a thousand miles out at sea it sprang a leak, and had to retrace its course to Ire- land for repairs. Starting on its voyage again it finally arrived in safety at New York in thirteen weeks' time from the date when it first sailed. Mr. Sloan at first settled in Genesee County, N. Y., where he resided one year prior to coming to Illi- nois. The removal hither was made by the way of Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by lake to Cleve- land, from there by canal to Portsmouth, Ohio, and then on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Alton, that being the most expeditious and con- venient route at the time. After his arrival in this State, Mr. Sloman pur- chased a tract of timber land in Jersey County, nine miles south of Jerseyville, in the locality known as Gilliam's Mound. He built a log house on the place and proceeded to clear a farm from the wilderness, where deer and other wild ani- mals still abounded, and special care had to be { taken of the pigs and lambs to protect them from the wolves. The father passed the rest of his life on his homestead in Jersey County, improving it into a fine piece of property. The maiden name of his wife was Amy ('.can, and she was also a na- tive of Devonshire, and a daughter of Richard Gean. She survived him a few years, and died at the home of a daughter in Jersey County. She was the mother of four children — John, Emma, Mary A. and James. The latter married Mary Bushby and resides on the old homestead; Emma married Nelson Lurton, of Jersey County; Mary became the wife of Hiram McClosky, of Jersey County. John Sloman was a child of ten years when the family emigrated to America. He attended school quite steadily in the old country, but after he came to this State he had to assist his father in his pioneer work of clearing his land and tilling the sod. He remained an inmate of the parental home until his marriage, though a part of the time he was engaged in working out by the month. He commenced his independent career as a farmer after he had taken unto himself a wife by carrying on agriculture on rented land, continuing to farm as a renter in Jersey County the ensuing six years. He Ihcyi came to Honey Point Township in 1859 and bought eighty :.cres of his present homestead. A small frame house and stable and a small orchard constituted the improvements upon the place and Mr. Sloman has constantly been at work in its fur- ther improvement, he has now a valuable estate. 438 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. amply provided with neat frame buildings, good farming machinery, and all the appointments that go to make up a well-ordered farm. He has added to his original purchase, and now has two hundred acres of land all in a body. March 6, 1853 was the date of an important event in the life of our subject, as he was then hap- pily married to Miss Sarah C. Lamb. Mrs. Slotnan was born in Adams County, Miss., November 2, 1831. Her father, John .1. Lamb, was a native of the State of New York and a son of Israel and Amanda (Beach) Lamb. The grandfather was also born in that State, of English ancestry, and so far as known spent his entire life in New York. John Lamb passed his youth in his native State, and received a good education, commencing teach- ing when quite young. At the age of twenty- one he went to Mississippi, and engaged in his profession there nearly twenty years. In 1835 he came with his wife and six children to Illinois, making the journey overland, and cooking and (ramping on the way at nightfall. He settled seven miles smith of Jersey ville, where he bought land that was partly timber and partly prairie, and a comfortable log house on the place was used as a residence by the family. Mr. Lamb farmed and lived on his homestead until his career was closed by death. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Noble. She was born in Mississippi, and was a daughter of Henry and Mary (Swaysee) Noble, and died on the old home- stead near Jerseyville. Mrs. Sloman resided with her mother until her marriage, and was carefully taught all household duties, and being adept in spinning and weaving, as while the family lived in Mississippi the mother carded, spun and wove all the cloth with which she made the clothes for her children. Mr. and Mrs. Sloman have two children, Addie and Emma. The former married Frederick Jeary, and they live on the home farm. They have six children, whose names are Myrtle, John, Emma, Abbie, Bessie, and Virgil. Our subject's daughter, Emma, married Samuel Ball, of Honey Point Township, and they have two children, Ethel and Ollie. Mr. Sloman is a self-made man, and by years of activity anil well directed labor has placed himself in possession of a goodly property, and is well for- tified against want. He is of a sturdy, self- respect- ing character that commands respect from others in turn, and both he and his good wife are held in high estimation by all who know them. A man of strong opinions, on no question are his views more pronounced than on politics and we find him giv- ing hearty support to the Republican party. Mrs. Mrs. Sloman, who is a sincere Christian, is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In connection with this biographical sketch the reader will find a portrait of Mr. Sloman. \TFYERNIIARD LORENZ is a prosperous y^4L merchant of Carlinville, where he is en- /£) I gaged in the sale of harness, having a hand- >SS^ somely fitted up store, in which he carries a complete stock. He was horn in the city of Holstein, Germany, April 1, 1825. His father who bore the same name as himself, was also a na- tive of that city and spent his entire life in the German Fatherland. When he was young he learned the trades of a tanner and a shoemaker and operated a tannery and manufactured shoes as long as he continued in active business. He was the father of nine children, six of whom came to Amer- ica, and these are the names of his offspring: An- nie, Margaret, Bern hard, John, l'eter W., Lucy, Jacob. Catarina, Erich. Our subject's education commenced at the age of six years and he attended school regularly un- til he was fourteen years old. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church and at that age he was confirmed. For two years after leaving school he assisted his father and then began to learn the trade of a harness-maker. During his ap- prenticeship of four years he received only his board, while his father clothed him. At the expir- ation of that time he did journey work in different cities, as was the custom for apprentices in Ger- many. In 1851 he determined to emigrate to the United Stales of America, where he shrewdly thought that life held for him better prospects than in the old PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 439 country, and on the 19th of March he set out on a steamer from Hamburg for Liverpool, England, where he boarded a sailing vessel bound for New York. He arrived at that great metropolis April 19, a stranger in a strange land, encumbered with an indebtedness of $f>8. Not a whit discouraged by those unfavorable circumstances, he made his way to New Jersey and found work at his trade at Millstone and Newark. Later in the same year lie went to St. Louis, but when he arrived there he was out of money, and as he could find no employment in that city lie drifted to Upper Alton and the en- suing three months worked for Dr. Humbert, now deceased. After that he went back to St. Louis and obtained work at Ids trade, and as soon as he had made a sufficient sum of money he honorably dis- charged Ins indebtedness that he had contracted in the old country. Our subject remained in St. Louis five years, and then with 'he earnings that he had carefully saved and which amounted to a goodly sum, he came to Carlinville, in 1857, and opened a shop in a small frame building and put in about $450 worth of har- ness, lie was a hard worker, attended faithfully to his business and in time he built up a good trade. He added to his stock from time to time and at length had to seek more commodious quarters, with the result that in 1885 he erected the brick build- ing that he now occupies. It is 80x28 feet in di- mensions and is two stories in height, the upper part being neatly fitted up for a tenement. His store is well arranged and finely appointed and he carries a full line of harness valued at upward of *2,000. Mr. Lorenz was first married to Mary Zapf, in 1854. She was born in Bavaria and came to this country when a young lady. She died in 1882, after a marriage of twenty-eight years, in which she had been a true wife to her husband and a ten- der mother to their children, of whom the}' had four, as follows: Annie, wife of William Groda- fent; Ida, Henry and Amanda. Mr. Lorenz was married to his present estimable wife in 1883. Her name prior to marriage was Theresa Wittl and she was a Bavarian by birth. Our subject is a man of sturdy, reliable charac- ter, possessing good habits and in carrying on his business he has shown shrewdness and capability in the management of his affairs, and withal has es- tablished himself in the confidence of all with whom he deals. He has served as a member of the City Council and has always displayed proper interest in forwarding the welfare of his commu- nity in whatever way he could. He is a stock- holder in the Carlinville Building and Loan Asso- ciation. Politically he is a faithful adherent of the Republican party. Religiously he is a valued mem ber of the Lutheran Church, his children also be- longing to that church. ^p^EORGE F. ^^Sl has a fine EORGE F. W. HARRIS, a general farmer C-raiser in Bunker Hill Township, farm of one hundred and sixty acres on another part of the county, besides his home farm upon which he has lived for many years. He came to this part of the country in 1853 and took a farm of unbroken prairie, which he now has in an excellent state of cultivation and well stocked. Previous to coming to this county he had made his home in LaSalle County, this State, where he had lived upon a farm for two years. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 182G, and there he was reared and educated. He came to this country in the fall of 1850, and emigrated to Illi- nois in 1851. His parents died in Ireland. Mr. Harris married while in the old country, being united with Miss Maria Jamison Barry. She was born and reared in the same county as himself, and her parents lived and died in the old home. Mrs. Harris came to this country with her hus- band in 1850. They have become the parents of eight children, four of whom have passed to the other world. The four who are living are: George F. W., who now lives on a farm in this town- ship; Abel, Joyce J., and Sallie J. who married William Tuttleand they reside in Colorado Springs, Col. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are earnest and con- sistent members of the Episcopal Church. This IK) PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. gentleman's political views are expressed in the platform of the Republican party, and lie takes a lively interest in local politics, although not a seeker for office. ••"♦o-^^GS- ^YJOIIN 0- NOEL, who is engaged in general fanning on section 25, Bunker Hill Town- ship, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, located on his present farm in 1865, and has resided in the county since March 10, 1859. He came here from Adams County, Pa., where he was horn September 11, 1883, ten miles from Gettysburg. His father. John L.Noel, was also a native of that comity and was descended from an early Pennsylvania-Dutch family. He grew to manhood upon a farm in the county of his nativity, and there wedded .Miss Mary Clunk, who was also born and reared in Adams County. After some of their sons had come to Illinois, the parents emigrated Westward in the spring of 1865, settling in Bunker Hill, where they spent the re- mainder of their lives, both dying when fifty-six years of age. They were both members of the Catholic Church, and in political sentiment Mr. Noel was a Democrat. Our subject is the third in order of birth of the family of sixteen children born unto John L. and Mary Noel, of whom five are yet living. His boy- hood days were spent in the usual manner of farmer lads, and his education was acquired in the district, schools of the neighborhood. When he had arrived at years of maturity be led to the marriage altar Miss Rebecca Freebury, whose birth occurred in Adams County, Pa., although she is of Herman descent. Her father, John Freebury, was a native of Germany, and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Adams County, Pa., where he afterward married. For some years Mr. and Mrs. Freebury made their home in that locality, when later they re- moved to Emmettsburg, Md. There both died at an advanced age, in the faith of the Catholic Church, of which they had long been members. Mr. Freebury was throughout life a cooper and brewer, following both pursuits. Mrs. Noel was reared in Gettysburg, Pa., and has proved to her husband a true helpmate. Their union has been blest with a family of ten children, seven of whom are yet living, namely: John L., who married Miss Plitz. and is living at Mt. Olive, 111.; Ella, wife of Henry Hurb, a. resident of Bunker Hill; Frank, who wedded Anna Peters and makes his home in Bunker Hill ; Katie, wife of John Seigle, of the same place; Lizzie, Augustus and William, who are still under the parental roof. On coming to this county in 1859, Mr. Noel and his family located upon a farm in Dorchester Town- ship, where he engaged in tilling the soil for about six years, lie then came to Bunker Hill Township and purchased his present farm which now coin- prises one hundred and sixty acres of land under a high state of cultivation. Upon it are a'so good buildings and every improvement is the work of the owner, and stands as a monument to his thrift and industry. He also owns ten acres of timber land in Dorchester Township. He has led a bus}' and useful life, and the success he has achieved is due entirely to his own efforts. Public spirited and progressive he is numbered among the valued citizens of the community, and those who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth. In political sentiment, both Mr. Noel and his sons are Democrats. The estate of Mr. Noel is universally conceded to be one of the finest in the township, and we are pleased to present on another page a view of the comfortable home. OHN JONES. Of the young farmers in this part of the county none are more suc- cessful than he whose name is at the head of this writing. Mr. Jones occupies and owns the farm of one hundred and seventy-tv.O acres on section 22, Brighton Township. He has lived here since 1862, and what he has accumulated has been by his own persistent effort and unweary- ing industry, for like so many others who have set- tled here, when coming into the country his oniy MjJuMttUQ '.-*-*MOi»M»*£d,.. » .,tt ■l t RE5IDENCE0F J. QUIINCY NOEL , SEC. 25., BU NKER HILL TR, MACOUPIN CO..ILL. RESIDENCE OF JOHN JONES , SEC.22., BRIGHTON TR , MACOU PI N CO., ILL. IIBRARY Of TM? UNIVERSITY OF ILUNOlt PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 443 wealth was a strong constitution and an abiding faith in :i bright prospect for the future. A view of iiis comfortable residence and rural surround- ings appears on another page. Our subject is a native of Wales, having been bain in Rodneyshire, November 4, 1851. Ho is the youngest of the family born to his parents. James and Mary (Jones) Jones, both natives of Wales. There the mother lived and died being about fifty years old at the time of her decease. The father spent his last years in the United States and died in this township and county when seventy- four years of age. He and his wife with their family belonged to the Baptist persuasion, but at the time of his death he was a member of the Church of England. Our subject with two brothers are all the chil- dren that came to this country, and live sisters are yet living in Wales. He of whom we write was onljy about twelve years old when with his father and another brother he came to the United States. Their passage across was made in the month of Au- gust, 1ISG2. having taken ship at Liverpool and landed in New York City. One can readily imagine the impression that the American metropolis with its push and hurry made upon the little Welsh lad. He early got the idea that if he would succeed he must be up and stirring, allowing no one to step in ahead of him. Shortly after their advent into the country they proceeded to this township and county. Soon after he became of age he entered into the matrimonial relation with Miss Clara K. Mason, their marriage being celebrated June 2, 1.S78. The lady was born in this township and county, her birth occurring on her father's farm, August 2.'i, 1858. She was here reared and educated and is the eldest of the living children of her parents. Her father, William Mason, is an old settler and prominent and veil to-do farmer in this township. A biographical sketch of Mr. Mason may be found in another part of this volume. Mrs. Jones is one of the women whose office in life is to help and encourage by the kind words and tender looks, those who are dearest to her. She is the mother of six children, two of whom are de- ceased. The children who have passed away were an infant and Gilbert K. Those living are Kay M., Levi ('., Harry E. anil Cyrus. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and liberal supporters of the same. Politi- cally Mr. Jones is a Democrat, holding that tin' doctrines of the "id original party in all their purity are most suited to the growth and advancement of this great country. He is the owner of a beauti- ful country home located on a slight elevation Overlooking a line landscape. The prairie is dot- ted willi high-bred stock, and water and clouds with a rare variety of trees lend the view an en- chanting perspective. TLLIAM T. BRISTOW, a Justice of the Peace at Guard, is one of the oldest set- y% tiers in the county. He was burn in Over- ton C'0U;Ui}U -#>-#*- -~ "Sr^ICHARD R. BARNSTABLE, one of the \^\{ prosperous tillers of the soil of this county, <4i\ is a resident on section 5. Polk Township, where he has a fine and attractive farm. He is a native of England, having been born in that country on the 23d of December 1830, in Otiicry, Somersetshire. After having grown to manhood in his native place he decided to seek what the New World held for him and coming lo this country in the spring of 1852 proceeded to America, where he remained but a short time before returning te New York State to get a wife. The one whom he chose to be his life partner bore the maiden name of Ellen S. Pitmon, a native of the same country as himself, where she was born December 31, 1834. The wedding day of this happy couple was November 4, 1852. The wife of our subject came to America when but a lass of seventeen years and made her home in Clay, Onondaga Comity, N. Y.. until united in marriage with our subject. In the spring of 1853 this young couple came to this county, thinking it the best place to begin their new life. They settled on a tract of land in Polk Township where Mr. Barnstable has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, of which he has made a great success. On this place will be seen a fine set of farm buildings and the other now has an arable tract of two hun- dred and thirty acres. The home of our subject and his estimable wife has been blessed by the advent of five children, all butoncof whom still survive. They are as follows: Emily J. died when nearly four years old; Walter J. is married to Miss Anna Dowland; Ella T. is the wife of Alonzo T. Keele; Nettie A. is the wife of T. M. Lawrence; and Norman R. Mr. Barnstable in his political views casts his vote wit'u the Republican party, which he thinks is the party to govern this nation. He is not in any way an office-seeker but has been made the incum- LIBRARY Of TMP UNIVERSITY OF IU PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. I III bent of the ollice of School Director of his district which he filled with great satisfaction not only to himself but to his constituents. He and his worthy and efficient wife are active and consistent members of the Congregational Church, with which they have been united since the year 1855. These good people are held in the highest esteem by all their neighbors and fellow- men. >>&£&*&)<** EV. MARTIN V. KITZMILLER, Post- master at Girard, residing in a beauti- b \V ful rural home in the western suburb ^§) of the city, is known far and wide as a former prominent minister of the Baptist ('lunch. For man} - years he was very active in promoting the growth of the denomination, being instrumental in establishing churches in va- rious places, ami though ill-health obliged him to abandon his beloved calling be is still a power in religious circles. He was born in Washington County. Tenn., January 20, 1826. His father, Henry Kitzmiller, was a native of the same county, and was a son of one of its early pioneers, Martin Kitzmiller, who was born in Pennsylvania, and was a descendant of early German settlers of that .State. The grandfather of our subject was a farmer and also a blacksmith and wagon-maker. He removed from his native State to Tennessee, and was one of the first to settle in Washington County, where he bought a large tract of land, and in connection with farming carried on blacksmithing and wagon manufacturing, man}' of the wagons that he made finding a market in Kentucky. With the proceeds of the sale of some of them he bought a farm in the locality then known as Ohio Falls, and now in- cluded in the city of Louisville, Ky. Though he owned that farm for several years he never lived upon it. He died when eighty-six years old at his home in Washington County. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Devault, was a native of Maryland, and died at the age of eighty-four. Those worth}- people reared a family of six sons and two daughters, named David, John, Henry, Martin, Jacob, Joseph, Mary and Elizabeth. Henry Kitzmiller learned the trades of a black- smith and wagon-maker from his father, but did not follow them. About two years after his mar- riage he located on a farm which his father gave him. situated across the line in Sullivan County, and actively engaged in agriculture until his death in 1843. In early manhood he married Elizabeth Carr, a native of Washington County, Tenn., and a daughter of Richard and Martha Carr, natives re- spectively of Virginia and North Carolina, and the latter of English and Scotch ancestry. The mother of our subject died on the home farm in Sullivan County, January 2, 1891, aged ninety-five years. She has reared nine children, namely: Martin V., Martha, Richard C, Mary, Henry, Elizabeth, David, Lovisa and Joseph. David and Joseph arc deceased. Our subject passed his early life in his native State, gaining his education in the local schools. At the age of fifteen he was converted and joined the Baptist Church, with which he has ever since been closely identified. He was licensed to preach in 18-14, and continued in the ministry in Tennes- see until 1850, when, for the sake of rearing his children in a free State where ' honest labor was not degrading," he came to Illinois, having ac- cepted a call to the Baptist Church in Girard. He was the first pastor of the congregation which numbered seven ladies and four gentlemen, who owned a one-fourth interest in what was known as the Union Church. During the interval of his pastorate here a neat and comfortable edifice has been erected as a house of worship, and at the time of his resignation the congregation numbered one hundred and eighty-eight members, this being the largest number at any one time from its organiza- tion up to that date. He continued to ably discharge the duties of his holy office until 1888, a period of thirty-two years, when he resigned his charge on account of losing his voice. Those 3'ears of active labor in the cause of relig- ion were fraught with great good, and bore much fruit in the increased growth of the church not only here but elsewhere. The following concern- ing his work was written for this publication: ••About the year 1863 or 18G1 the Rev. Mr. Kitzmiller' immersed the first person ever immersed 450 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. at Chatham, Sangamon County, 111., and as the re- sult of his labors there, a Baptist Church was or- ganized and a house of worship built. "The house of worship belonging to the Baptist Church at Hickory Point. Macoupin County, was begun and mainly built by him, and when it was completed he preached the sermon of dedication. During his ministry at Guard he gave one half of his time to various other churches, which like that at Girard were just starting and needing the fos- tering care of a shepherd and leader. The Baptist Church at Auburn, Sangamon County, was one which in that way had his services for a period of from twelve to eighteen years until it became strong. For four years our subject worked in the same way at Carlinville, at Greenfield for two or three years, and at Waverly for six years." During his ministry Mr. Kitzmiller lias baptized about a thousand people, of whom twelve or more have entered the ministry of the Baptist Church. The first person baptized by him was his wife; the second his sister, who soon after became the wife of the Rev. W. C. Newell, who lately died at Ml. Vernon; and the third was a young man, who be- came a Baptist minister of extensive usefulness in Virginia and Tennessee. It is generally believed that our revered subject has performed more mar- riage ceremonies than any other minister in the county. The first man married by him was the Rev. William A. Keane, one of the leading Baptist ministers in East Tennessee. The Rev. Mr. Kitzmiller was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary Crouch April 29, 1847. Mrs. Kitzmiller is a native of Washing- ton County, Tenn., and a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Keefhaver) Crouch. Mr. and Mrs. Kitz- miller have seven children living, namely: Joseph H., Martha A.. James W.. Charles M., David M., Laura E. and Eldredgc P. Joseph II. a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, is a physician at Taylorville, 111. Martha married John Lloyd, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Franklin County, Ky. James W. is a success- ful farmer and lumber merchant at Medora. David Martin is associated with his brother James in the lumber business Charles is assistant Postmaster at Girard. Laura married G. A. Post, clerk and book keeper for the firm of Solomon & Martin, of Palmyra. Eldredge is at home with his parents. Mr. Kitzmiller and his family are very pleasantly situated in their suburban home. The grounds around his house comprise seventeen and one-half acres of land, devoted to fruit growing, gardening and pasturing, and are chiefly under the manage- ment of his youngest son, E. P. Kitzmiller. Mr. Kitzmiller was formerly a Democrat, but of the anti-slavery type. Since the formation of the Republican party he has been a linn advocate of its principles, and his live sons and two sons-in- law follow in his footsteps as regards their politi- cal affiliations. Not only has our subject been greatly instrumental in promoting the moral and religious interests of the community, but he hns aided in advancing education as a valued member of the School Board, with which he was connected nine years. He received his appointment as Post- master at Girard from the hands of President Har- rison, and entered upon the duties of his office January 20,1890. Hisselection for this important position gave universal satisfaction, as he is held in great esteem, and it was believed that no more scrupulous, faithful or efficient official could have been found for the place. A lithographic portrait of the Rev. Mr. Kitzmil- ler is presented in connection with this biographical notice. QJ — m&z- — (>I1N E. PERROTTET, assistant Supervisor of Carlinville Township, was born in Switz- erland, August 11, 1836, where he spent his / boyhood days. His parents were John D. and Anna M. Perrottet who upon their arrival in the United Slates took up their abode in St. Clair County, III., afterward removing to Macoupin County, where they died. In 1857, their son, John E., removed from St. Clair to Macoupin County, and has since resided in Gillespie and Carlinville Townships. He has given his attention mainly to the cultivation of the soil, whereby he has gained an independent support. He operates some two hundred and fifty acres of land situated on sec- lion 12. PORTRAIT AND MOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 451 Our subject was married in St. Clair County to Miss Anna M. Stabler, tlie date of whose birth is May G, 1843. The household consists of father and mother and eleven children — August, Anna, Sophia, Louis. Mary, John, Louisa, Clara, William, Victor and Adella. Mr. Perrottet lias filled the office of Tax Collector of Gillespie Township. He is an earnest advocate of the Democratic party and both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Perrottet is a man brave and independent in spirit and has fought life's battles as they have come, never knowing fear or shrinking from the duties which fill his every-day life. His integrity and his devotion to his family have won for him golden opinions in the community where he lives. oCx> .TAMES J. HAYCRAFT. Among the prominent and successful business men of Medora who are selected for representation in this Record is the Rev. .1. J. Hayeraft, whose work as minister and business man has done mucli to aid the prosperity of the county. II is resi- dence within its bounds dates from New Year's Day, 1844, at which time, a young man of twenty years, he came hither. He was born in Hardin County, Ky., January 20, 1824, his parents being John and Hannah (Parker) Hayeraft. natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively. The father had fair school advantages and was an earnest stu- dent, and became very proficient in mathematics. He taught school for some time, but after his re- moval to this county, in 1846, he gave his attention to farming in Chesterfield Township until lie re- tired from active life. In 1863 he sold out and removed to Fidelity, where his wife breathed her last. He afterward became an inmate of the home of our subject, anil died at Medora. The parental family consisted of eight sons and daughters, all of whom grew to maturity. Our subject is the eldest member of the parental family. His early education was received with his father as tutor and he subsequently attended school at Klizabethtown, the county seat of his native county, the school being known as the Robert Hunt High School. From it man\ statesmen and other leading men of Kentucky were graduated. Among the classmates of the Rev. Mr. Hayeraft were George and Hardin Helm, sons of Gov. John M. Helm, and grandsons of the Hon. Benjamin Hardin, the noted criminal lawyer. After his education was completed Mr, Hayeraft engaged to leach school but before entering upon his professional labors he came to this Slate and within two years he was married and had established his home on a farm. Mr. Hayeraft located in Jersey County not far from Medora and gave his attention to tilling the soil and dealing in live-stock. He remained at that point fifteen years and then became a resident of Medora. Ju 1858 be built a steam flouring mill at Fidelity, which he operated until July 15, 1863, when it was destroyed by fire, causing a loss of $27,000. Mr. Hayeraft had no insurance, but friends and bankers offered to raise $5,000 within twenty-four hours after the catastrophe and urged him to accept the money and rebuild. He refused the kind offer, as he had never accepted a dollar, but subsequently his bankers Dorsey ife Cheney of Jerseyville, voluntarily furnished him the money to rebuild and after doing so he operated the mill two years. The mill site was valuable but the bankers would neither take a mortgage or note, so much confidence had they in Mr. llaycrafl's honor. Mr. Hayeraft soon recovered from his losses and engaged in mercantile pursuits, soon having a com- mercial standing of $45,000. When he came to Medora he bought a home, and rented a mill which he carried on while also running a store and deal- ing in grain and stock. He afterward built a mill which he operated two years, then moved it to Al- sey, Scott County, on the railroad, added an eleva- tor, and there carried on an extensive business. He sold his property after some years and returned to Medora where he carried on mercantile pursuits two years, then removed to Palmyra and for eight- een months was similarity engaged there. He again came to Medora, and in May, 1889, entered upon the business he is still conducting — the sale of groceries, notions and gentlemen's furnishing goods, lie has prospered in business affairs not- 452 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. withstanding the fact that he has met with some losses, and lie has given two of his daughters well- improved farms and purchased for the husband of another a mill in Palmyra. The marriage of Mr. Haycraft was solemnized October 15, 1846, his bride being Miss Matilda Rhodes, daughter of Josiah Rhodes. The bride was born in Kentucky April 13, 1826. To Mr. and Mrs. Haycraft nine children have been born, six of whom died in infancy or childhood. The living are Melissa, now the wife of II. C. Kemper; Emma, wife of Francis Watson; and Ella V., who married I). W. Rhodes. Mr. Haycraft belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having been initiated in Fidelity Lodge, No. 152, A. F. & A. M., in 1858. He was Chaplain of that lodge twelve years. Politically he is a Democrat and he has frequently held local offices. In religion he is a Baptist and in 1876 he was ordained to the ministry and has since given considerable time to 1he work of the Gospel. He had charge of Big Spring Church, Scott County, organized Liberty Church, near Carlinville, and was the pastor in charge there three years. He resigned to go into the field as an evangelist, preaching in different churches, and subsequently with the Carrolltou associate carrjed on one of the most successful meet- ings ever held in the church at Fidelity. Twenty- six members were added and so much life was infused into the congregation that a commodious house of worship was soon undertaken and com- pleted. \\ ESHACK T. ALFORD, one of the most important and progressive farmers of North Palmyra Township, resides on sec- tion 30, where his splendid farm and excel- lent buildings are an ornament which attract the eye of every passerby. His worthy father, Charles Alford, was born in North Carolina and his mother, Mary Tipton, was a native of the mountainous re- gions of Tennessee. After marriage this intelligent couple emigrated from Monroe County, Tenn,, to this county, in 1851. They made their home in Scottville Township and there resided until death called them hence. Charles Alford died March 17, 185S and his wife followed him to the grave February 18, 1863. Five sons and two daughters, made up the happy home of this pioneer couple, and our subject is the fifth in order of birth, lie had his nativity in Se- vier County, Tenn.. May 23, 1828. When he was about three years old he removed with his father to Monroe County, and there grew to man- hood. In that county he found his bride in the person of Rebecca Edwards, and they were mar- ried May 20. 1848. She was born in Roan County, January 17, 1831. The young couple set- tled in Monroe County, Tenn., and in the fall of 1850 migrated with Mr. Alford's family to Mac- oupin County. They settled in Scottville Town- ship and resided there until March, 1867, when they removed to North Palmyra Township and made their home on section 30, where they now reside. Nine children were sent to share the parental love and care of Meshack and Rebecca Alford. Those who are now living are: William C, who married Mrs. Ella Helmick; Charles F., who mar- ried Helena Rice; Robert E., who married May Ballard; and Caleb C. The other children died when quite young. The mother of these excellent and worthy young people was taken from them by death at the home in Palmyra Township, June 20, I860. Our subject was a second lime married in Scott- ville Township, November 28, 1869, to Miss Susan M. Searcy, who was born in Spencer County, Ky., August 14, 1846. They have seven children, Sarah R., who is the wife of William Yogel, Mar- tha A.. Rosa P., Bertha L.. Joseph M., John S. and Cleveland II. Mr. Alford finds in his children the comfort and solace of h's advancing years. He is the owner of three hundred and seventy -five acres of rich and arable land upon which he has erected a handsome home and a good set of farm build- ings. The offices of School Director and Highway Commissioner have been offered to him and he has carried on their duties with success, giving therein great satisfaction to his neighbors and the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 453 community in general. Mrs. Alford is an earn- est and devoted member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Such a family as this is in every way a benefit to the community in which they reside as their industry and enterprise add to its material wealth and their uprightness of character and in- telligence make them leaders of thought and action. * OHN II. ARNETT. Among the public- spirited men of Southern parentage who have helped to make Macoupin County (^Vy what it is to-day, we are pleased to note the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, who is now Postmaster of Delay and was for some time Supervisor of Bird Township. His father, Thomas Arnett, was born in North Carolina, and his mother, Elizabeth Reader, was a native of Tennessee, where they were married and made their first home in Overton County. At that time many residents of Tennessee and Ken- tucky were emigrating to Illinois, and they fol- lowed the tide. Coming hither in 1834, after living for a few months in Morgan County, they settled in the spring of 1835, in Bird Township, this county. This they made their permanent home until their death. The mother was called from earth in August, 1864, and her loss was deeply felt, not only by her husband and children, but by her friends and neighbors. Her bereaved husband survived her for nearly ten years, passing away in February, 1874. Our subject is one of a large family of seven sons and five daughters, of whom he was the seventh in order of birth. His birth took place in Bird Township, this county, September 28, 1838. Here he grew to manhood and has made Bird Township his home continuously, with the exception of a short time spent on the Pacific Coast. In 18C3 he went to California and was absent in that State and Oregon until 1805. He has made farming his chief business in life and adhered to it until 1888, when he rented his farm to a tenant and came to Delay, where he engaged in the business of general merchandising. In the spring of that year he received the appointment of Postmaster, which office he still fills. He owns a fine tract of three hundred and nine acres, most of which is in Bird Township. Mr. Arnett was married May 21, 1871, in Mem- phis, Tenn., to Miss Hannah Mills who was born in Carlinville. Her parents were Charles and Mary A. (Castlel Mills, natives of England. .Mr. Mills was a blacksmith by occupation and an ex- pert in his calling. He and his good wife are now residents of California. Mr. Arnett is a public- spirited man and is ever alive to the interests of the community, and especially active in forward- ing all movements which he believes to be for the best good of the agricultural community. He has filled for three terms the office of Supervisor of Bird Township, ami has been Treasurer of the township for twelve years, and Justice of the Peace for two terms. Political affairs interest this gen- tleman deeply and in them he takes an active part, working earnestly for the prosperity and progress of the Democratic party. :|fe PHRAIM BELDAM is living on a good farm on section 15, Bunker Hill Township, bout one mile north of the city of Bunker Hill, at which place he recently settled and where he owns seventy acres of good land well improved. Dr.Beldain formerly lived in the city of Bunker Hill. He has lived in the county for fifteen years and has owned different farms and conducted them suc- cessfully. Dr. Beldam came to Bunker Hill from Kansas City where he was variously engaged dur- ing eight years in the poultry and egg business and dealing for a time in horses. Dr. Beldam is a native of England, born in Cambridgeshire at Staunton, March 29, 1841. His father, Thomas Beldam, was born in England and was a dealer in swine and successful in that line. The father married an English lady, Ann Smith. After the birth of part of the family Thomas Bel- dam, wife and children left London in 1848, on a sailing vessel. They were out at sea live weeks and five days, landing in New York City and thence coming to Cleveland, Ohio, where they lived for 454 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. some years, coming later to Englewood, Chicago, in about I860. It was here that the father and mother died, the former from a cancer when just fifty-five years of age. The latter died some years later at about sixty years of age. Mr. Beldam was a Methodist in belief and the mother a Baptist. Our subject was a boy of only about seven years when his parents came to the United States and he reached his majority after they had settled in Chicago, 111. He was here a horse-dealer, buying and selling. He has a brother George in the city of Chicago who is a prominent liveryman, owning two stables. Another brother, Thomas, is also a prominent horse-dealer. The subject of this sketch was married in Bunker Hill to Miss Sophronia II. Sherwood. She was born October 7, 1850, in the American Bottoms. Madison County, 111., and was the youngest of the family. With her uncle East- man T. Irish, she moved to Bunker Hill, Macoupin County. Mere she was reared, and educated at Greenville College. She is now the mother of one child, Bertha, who lives at home and is a bright and accomplished young woman. Mrs. Beldam is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Beldam's parents died when she was young and she knows nothing of their history. OSEPII B. HACKNEY, a successful farmer residing on section 25, Hilyard Township, has a well improved and highly cultivated l\|g/' farm which has been his home most of the time since the beginning of the '50s. His military and mining experiences are truly notable. He is a veteran of the Mexican War and saw some hard fighting, especially toward the close of the conflict when he was engaged in fighting the bushwhackers, being a member of Capt. Little's Cavalry Company, in which he did excellent service as a private. Our subject returned home in 1848 after his dis- charge from the army and the following spring he joined a company which was organized in Jersey - ville to cross the plains to the gold regions of the Pacific Slope. This company embraced some twen- ty-five teams and wagons and their first objective point was St. Joseph, Mo. Erom there they too the Mormon trail over the plains to South Pass, and thence to Ft. Hall, and crossing the Humboldt reached a mining camp on Bear River. Here Mr. Hackney spent some time and then went to Sacra- mento, and later to MeC'allam River and worked in the Angeles and Murphy mines. Late in the fol- lowing spring he went to the head waters of the Yuba River and there found some good diggings. In the summer of 1850 he returned with his brother who had accompanied him, and coming to Macou- pin County, they invested in land in Hilyard Town- ship, upon which they have since lived and made of it an excellent farm. March 20, 1829, was the natal day of Joseph B. Hackney, and Troy, N. Y. the place of his nativity. His father, William, who was born in that State, came of Scotch parentage. His father and mother emigrated from the old country to New York and spent their last days there. Their son William learned the trade of a blacksmith and furnace man, and had an excellent reputation as a skilled work- man. He came West in 1830 and settled upon a tract of land in Jersey County, this Stale, but still continued to carry on his trade. Later he removed to Macoupin County, where he lived until his death, at the age of eighty-six. His wife, Margaret Kellogg, a native of Albany, N. Y. was of Holland stock. She came West with her husband, dying in this county when eighty-four years old. She was a true and faithful wife and an affectionate and devoted mother, and her memory is revered by all who knew her. Both Mr. and Mrs. William Hackney were devout and active members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hackney was a Jacksonian Democrat in his political views and had been a soldier through all the War of 1812. entering as a pri- vate and later becoming a Corporal. The subject of our sketch is one of the younger members of his father's family, and his two older brothers were also in the Mexican War, one, James, belonging to the militia, and Matthew being in the navy. They are still living. Joseph was married in Chicago, in 1864, his bride being Mrs. Mary (Hackney) Lyman, a native of New York, of Connecticut parentage. Her first husband William Lyman, to whom she was united in Con- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 455 necticut, enlisted in the army at the time the War of the Rebellion in 1861, and was one of the first to fall at the battle of Newburn, N. C. He was under the command of Gen. Burnside, and was shot dead 03- the enemy, being in the prime of life. Mis young widow was left with one child, George W., now living in Wichita, Kan. Mr. and Mrs. Hackney are the parents of the fol- lowing children: Fred W., who took to wife Lil- lian Roberts and resides upon a farm in Hilyard Township; Paul, who resides at home, and is a farmer and the Township Collector; and Albert, Raymond and Lotta, who are all three at home. Mr. and Mrs. Hackney arc truly representative members of the farming community of this town- ship, being enterprising, intelligent, industrious and successful. Their reputation as worthy and upright citizens and as genial and kindly neighbors, gives them a genuine popularity. Mrs. Hackney is an active and devoted member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, in which she finds a broad field of labor and influence. The Democratic party claims the hearty allegiance and co-operation of Mr. Hack- ney and his adult sons. AZj^ WILLIAM HEIDEMANN, the leading (|(^-. general merchant of Brighton, established ^^' business at that place in October, 18G8. He began on a small scale and has steadily worked his Way upward, enlarging his stock as the volume of his trade increased until he now has the most im- portant business in the place. His store is well supplied with all kinds of merchandise and by his untiring efforts, his pleasant manner and his fair dealing he has secured a liberal share of the public- patronage. Mr. Heidemann was born in Faren Haultz Dep- niolt, Germany, on the 10th of February, 1834, and is a son of Fred Heidemann who spent his en- tire life in the Fatherland, dying at the age of fifly- one years. The mother, whose maiden name was Florentena Karnaman, long survived her husband and at the age of eighty-two crossed the Atlantic with a son and daughter, locating in Brighton in 1880, where she died two years later, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-four years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Heidemann were members of the Evangelical Church. The subject of this sketch aquired a good educa- tion in his native tongue and when about eighteen years of age started out in life for himself. Soon be obtained an excellent position in the home of one of tiie millionaires of Bremen, being for seven years in the employ of Mr. Oelreach of the German Llo3'd steamship line. For some lime he was at the head of that gentleman's household affairs, and in 1859. when he decided to emigrate to America, Mr. Oelreach gave him a passage upon a sailing vessel bound for New Orleans. After a voyage of seven weeks he first set foot upon America soil and coming up the Mississippi River made his first lo- cation at Brighton but after a short time went to Madison County, where for a time he worked as a farm hand. About 1861, he went to St. Louis, where he secured a position in the well-known dry goods house of Scruggs. Vandervoort & Barney. He was a trusted and faithful salesman in that house for several years, during which lime he acquired an excellent knowledge of business methods and by economy procured a capital sufficient to embark in business for himself. He then returned to Brigh- ton and opened a general merchandise store in this place, where he has since carried on a succes-sful business. While residing in St. Louis, Mr. Heidemann was united in marriage with Caroline Gaegel, a native of the Fatherland, born in 1841. She came alone to America in 1859, and made her home in St. Louis until her marriage. She has been a true helpmate toher husband and has faithfully watched over the interests of the household, while Mr. Heidemann has labored to support the family. Unto them were born thirteen children, nine of whom are now living — William, a commerical traveller employed by the Martin Clothing Company of St. Louis; Emma who is at the hea 1 of her father's store in Brighton, being a young woman of excellent busi- ness ability; Amelia at home; Henry, a liveryman at Brighton; Adolph, who is educating himself for a mechanical engineer and is now engaged with the St. Louis Screw Company ; Henrietta, who is assist- 456 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ing her father in the store; Anna, Helena and Ilulda at home. The parents of this family are leading members of the Evangelical Church, Mr. Heidemann having given more than any one else for the erection of their house of worship. He is also regarded as a valued and enterprising citizen and has served as Coucilman for two years. In politics he is a reliable and stalwart Republican. \fl ACOI5 L. PLAIN, ex-Sheriff of Macoupin County, is a prominent and well-known citi- zen of Carlinville, where for many years he has been engaged in the real-estate busi- ness, and he has been a potent factor in its growth and prosperity. He was born in Muhlenberg County, Ky., April 25, 1828, and is a representa- tive of the early pioneer families of this section of the Slate. David Plain, the father of our subject, was born in 1796 in that part of Frederick County, Md., which is now included in Carroll County, and his father. John Plain, was a native of the same place. The father of the latter was a farmer, and it is supposed that he spent his entire life in Maryland. The grandfather of our subject was bred to the life of a farmer, and his whole life was passed in his native State. His sou David was reared in the county of his birth, and removed thence to Green- briar County, Va.,and later to Muhlenberg County, Ky., where he followed his trade, that of a cabinet- maker. He resided there until 1828, when he came to the wilds of Illinois to seek a new home, mak ing the removal the entire way with ox-teams. He was accompanied hither by his wife and Gve chil- dren, and brought with him all his household goods. He first located on Indian Creek, in Mor- gan County, but in March, 1831, came to Ma- coupin County, and became one of the first settlers of Shaw's Point Township, where he at once se- lected a tract of Government land. He cut poles, and putting the ends in the ground, letting the tops come together, he covered them with boards rived by hand, and thus made a temporary shelter, which the family occupied while he erected a hewn log house. For many years after he came here there were no railways in Illinois, and Alton, thirty-six miles distant, was the nearest market and depot for supplies. The people were chiefly home-livers, and the women spun and wove all the cloth with which they dressed their children. The father of our subject devoted his time prin- cipally to farming, and made his home at Shaw's Point Township until his death, in 1873. He had been twice married. The maiden name of his sec- ond wife, mother of our subject, was Ann Landes. She was born in Botetourt County, Va., and was a daughter of Daniel and Catherine Landes. She died in 1868. In the parental family there were ten children. Jacob L. was but an infant when his parents brought him to Illinois, and consequently he has no remembrance of other than his adopted State. He attended the pioneer schools of Shaw's Point Township, which were first taught in log houses, the furniture being of the most primitive kind. The benches were made by splitting logs and hew- ing one side smooth, and then inserting wooden pegs for legs. There were no desks, but holes were bored in the logs on either side of the house, wooden pegs put in, and a board laid on them, and this contrivance served as a desk for the larger scholars to write upon. Yet in those rude log houses many of the most noted men of the country obtained the rudiments of an education which fitted them for the most responsible and exalted positions in life. As soon as able our subject com- menced to assist in the duties of the farm, and made his home with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, when he started in life on i his own account, and even with the world. He had been reared to habits of industry, and found no difficulty in obtaining employment on a farm. An intelligent, energetic young man, bearing an excellent reputation, he was selected for the office of Deputy Sheriff in 1851, under William M. Snow. He served in that capacity until 1854, when he was elected Sheriff of the county, so well had he done in the subordinate office, and he held that position one term at that time. In 1858 he was again elected to that office, and retained it until 1860. From 1856 to 1858 Mr. Plain was in the mer- LMRAHY M»VFftS»TY OF ILUNO' PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 459 pantile business, carrying a stock of general mer- chandise. Later lie engaged in the real-estate business, and also in making abstracts of titles, which he has since continued. lie has a pleas- ant home at Carlinville, and to the wife who pre- sides over it he was married in 1856. Mrs. Plain was formerly Miss Mary A. J. Dick, and she is a native of this State, her birthplace being in San- gamon County. Politically Mr. Plain has always been a stanch Democrat. As before stated, he held the office of Sheriff two terms. He also has served eighteen years as Justice of the Peace, and for three terms was Mayor of the city. He is at present* a member of the Hoard of Education. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of Carlinville Lodge, No. 350, I. O. F. Dur- ing his long residence in the county Mr. Plain has always been actively identified with its inter- ests, and has promoted the welfare of the city and county in various ways, both as a citizen and in the various high offices that he has held, and he is greatly esteemed by all with whom he has busi- ness or social relations. S OBERT J. MITCHELL, M. D., of Girard, is a physician of high standing and repu- tation among the members of his profes- \£) sion in this county. He was born on a farm near Lancaster, Schuyler County, Mo., October 30, 1S43. His father, Isaac Mitchell, was a native of England, born in the town of Harby, Notting- hamshire, March 1,1815. His grandparents were also both of English birth and antecedents, and spent '-heir entire lives in their native land. His grand- father, Richard Mitchell, had a farm near Harby, Nottinghamshire, where he died in 1840. The maiden name of his wife, grandmother 0i" our sub- ject, was Susanna Chapman. She was born at Harby, and died one year after her husband. They were the parents of seven sons and three daugh- ters. The father of our subject and his brother, William, were the only members of the family who came to America, and the latter settled in Greene County. He married in his native country, and reared a family of five sons and two daughters, and in the ripeness of tune passed to his final rest. Isaac Mitchell was young when his father died, and at an early age he was thrown on his own re- sources to obtain a living. In 1837, in the prime and vigor of the opening years of his manhood, he emigrated to this country, and coming to Illi- nois, located near Carrollton, Greene County, where several English families had established themselves previously. He found employment on a farm, and in the winter season attended school. Very soon after his marriage, in the fall of 1841, he went to Missouri, and became one of the early settlers of Schuyler County. He bought a squatter's claim, and later, when the land came into the mar- ket, purchased it from the Government. There was a log house on the place, partly completed, at the time he bought it, and after finishing it, he and his wife made it their home for some years. In- dians lived in that region when he went there, and deer, wild turkeys and other game abounded for a long time after. There were no railways, and the towns on the Mississippi River, seventy miles distant were the nearest markets. Mr. Mitchell improved quite a tract of land in Missouri, and continued to live there some time, when he came back to Illinois and leased a farm in Madison County, near Upper Alton. Eight years later he came to Girard and lived retired from active life until his death. May 21, 1865. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Underwood, and she was born in August, IS) 1, near Cynthiana, Harrison County, Ky. Her father, Francis Under- wood, was born in Shropshire, England, in 1767. and was the son of another Francis Underwood, who spent his entire life in England. The grandfather of our subject came to America in his youth as a soldier in the British army. He deserted from the ranks, and ever after made his home in the United States. Locating in the wilds of Kentucky, Mr. Mitchell was married in Lafayette County, that State, in 1799, to Margaret Jar vis. She was bom in West- moreland County, Pa., in 1784, in Robert and Mary .larvis, natives of Dublin. Ireland, of English pa- tents. On coining to America, they resided for a 460 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. time in Westmoreland County, Pa., and thence went to Lafayette County, Ky., and from there to Troy, Ohio, where they died. In 1839 Grand father Underwood came to Illinois, journeying hither with teams. He settled seven miles west of Carrollton, where he bought a tract of timber land which he developed into a farm ; in that place he and his good wife dwelt until life's close, he dying June 20, 1853, and she August 20, 1860. They reared four sons and five daughters. The parents of our subject had four children, as fol- lows: William F., a practicing physician of Lancaster. Mo.; John M.,a soldier in the Twenty- first Missouri Infantry during the late war, who died in the service; Robert J.; and Mary J., who resides at Girard. Our subject received his early education in dis- trict schools, and supplemented it by an excellent course of study at Shurtleff College, from which he was graduated in the Class of '69. Imme- diately after graduation he commenced the study of medicine with his brother, and in the fall of 1869 entered Rush Medical College at Chicago. He attended that institution until the following spring, and then resumed his studies with his brother. In the fall of 1870 he again entered Rush Medical College, and was graduated with the Class of '71. A few weeks after leaving college became to Girard seeking a suitable location to establish himself in his profession, and since that time has been a resident physician of. this place, acquiring during these twenty and more years a lucrative practice that extends far beyond the lim- its of the city. He is justly held in high esteem by his patients for his professional knowledge and practical ability in applying it in all cases that come under his consideration. Dr. Mitchell was married in 1873 to Miss Julia A. Bennion, a native of Wales. Her parents, Randle and Augusta S. Bennion, were also of Welsh birth, and came from Dcnbigshirc, North Wales, to the United States in 1849. Two children complete the household circle of our subject and his wife, Mabel and Vinnie. The Doctor leads a busy life, for, notwithstand- ing the demands made upon him by his profession, he is identified with the business interests of the city as Vice-President of the Girard Building and Loan Association, and he also has borne an honor- able part in the public life of Girard as a member of the City Council and of the Board of Educa- tion, with which he is still connected. Politically he was formerly a Republican, but he has of late given his support to the Democratic party. He is a member of the Macoupin County Society for Medical Improvement, of the State Medical So- ciety, and of the American Medical Association. He is a member of Girard Lodge, No. 171, F. A- A. M., and of Chapter 132, R. A. M. A lithographic portrait of Dr. Mitchell appears on another page of this volume. -*-» !h/\ RiS - KLIZA J - (TRABUE) BOGGESS, I ^ IV a well-known resident of Girard, has lived II I* in this count}' for fifty-six years and has * been an intelligent witness of its growth and development from the wilderness to its present condition as a prosperous and flourishing commu- nity. She is of an old pioneer family and is a descendant of distinguished French ancestry. She was born in Logan County, Ky., May 29, 1820. The father of Mrs. Boggess, Ilaskins Trabue, was born near Richmond, Ya., in 1790, and was a son of Stephen Trabue, who was a native of the same locality. From the best information at hand we learn that the great-grandfather of our subject, whose name was John James Trabue, was a Virginian also, whose parents were born in France and came to America in Colonial times, locating in Virginia. where he spent the remainder of his life. '1 lie maiden name of his wife was Olympia Dupuy, and she was a native of Virginia. Her father, Barthol- omew Dupuy, was born in Saintgue, France, in 1654. He was an officer in the household guards of Louis XIV. He was a Huguenot and there is a romantic story connected with his coming to Amer- ica, a self-exile, to escape religious persecution in his native country. In 1684 he married Susanna. Countess Davillon, and the king graciously gave him leave of absence to spend his honeymoon at his villa. While there he learned of the revocation of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 461 the Edict of Nantes and immediately took meas- ures to flee to Germany to escape tlic doom he well knew to be awaiting one of his religious belief. He ordered a suit of clothes for his page, who was the size of his wife, and with his bride attired as a page, with two <>f his horses and all his money and jewels, he started for the frontier. He managed to pass the guards successfully until near the line be- tween the two countries, when he was fired upon, the bullet lodging in a psalm-book in his wife's bosom. He showed a pass signed by the king, and without giving the guards time to see the date, de- manded a guard the rest of the way. He arrived in Germany in safety and after remaining there two years emigrated to America and settled at Jamestown, Va., among the colonists, and passed his remaining days in quietness and peace. Stephen Trabue the paternal grandfather of our subject, married Jane llaskins, a native of Virginia. After marriage lie removed to Kentucky, going thither with teams and flat-boats. He settled in Greene County, of which he was an early pioneer. He secured quite a tract of land there and operated it by slave labor. He finally removed to Logan County, where lie bought a much larger quantity of land than he had first purchased and he resided there until death closed his earthly career. Mrs. Boggess' father was reared in Kentucky and after marriage he settled on land given him by his father in Logan County. In .1835 he, too, became a pioneer, coming to Illinois, accompanied by his wife and seven children. The removal was made with teams and the family took with them their household goods and cooked and camped by the way. After two weeks' travel they arrived in what is now Brushy Mound Township, where the father entered a tract of Government land. He erected a small log house, making the roof of rived boards, the floor of puncheon and the door of clapboards. There were but few signs of civilization apparent in this county at that time, as the setilers were few and far between and there were no railroads or markets very near, Alton being the most accessible point where the settlers sold their products and ob- tained their supplies. In 1837 Mr. Trabue built a carding mill, the first carding mill erected in the county, and he also gave his attention to farming and developed a choice farm. His death in 1860 removed a valued citizen, one who had closely identified himself with the in- terests of his community and had been a useful pi- oneer in developing the resources of the county. His wife, whose maiden name was Olympia Wil- son, also died in the same year that he did, her death occurring on the home farm. She was the mother of nine children. Mrs. Boggess was in her fifteenth year when she came to Illinois from her early Kentucky home and she has a vivid recollection of pioneer life in this State. She lived with her parents until their death and was a stay and comfort to them in their old use. In 1864 her marriage was solemnized with Mr. Barnabas Boggess, who is represented elsewhere in this work. .■*;♦> RS. MARTHA (MAZE) BATES. readers will be both pleased and pr to read a life-sketch of this mother in I rael who has for so many years exerted an influence for good, not only in her home and church, but throughout the whole community. Her devo- tion as a wife and mother and her long and faithful membership in the Shiloh Baptist Church, which has lasted almost fifty years, as well as her active interest in public affairs, have placed her in the fore front of the women of Macoupin County. She still resides at the old homestead which her husband had established on section 22, Bird Township. The father of Mrs. Bates was John Maze, a na- tive of Virginia, and her mother, Sarah Morrow, was'born in Eastern Tennessee, in the mountainous regions. This couple emigrated from Tennessee to Greene County in this State early in the '30s and afterward lemoved to BarrTownsuip. It was while they were living there that Mr. Maze went on busi- ness to Kentucky and there met his death. His widow continued to make her home in Barr Town- ship until she passed from life. Mrs. Bates was the fifth child of her father's family and was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., July 17, 1816. She came with her parents to Ma- coupin County, and was married in Barr Township, 462 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. March 25, 1*36. The gentleman to whom she was wedded and witli whom she spent more than a half century of happy wedded life, was William J. Bates, a son of Hampton and Jane (Bryson) Bates. He was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., October 20, 1813. Their earliest married home was in Western Mound Township, where they lived for upwards of sixteen years, after which they re- moved to Bird Township, where Mr. Bates died September 16. 1890. This long life together was one of unusual harmony and congeniality, and was filled with acts of unostentatious goodness and the quiet fulfillment of duty. Mr. Bates made substantial improvements upon his farm and left it in an excellent condition. He had been a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church for more than forty-five years, and was a power in it for good. Six children crowned this union, namely: George W., who married Miss Agnes Adams; Sarah .)., who was the wife of John Morris, and died June 26, 1859; John II., who took to wife Catherine McAliney; James C, Frances M., who married William Adams, and Addison, who mar- ried Ellen B. Barr. To this faithful mother these children owe much, not only in the influences which tended to form their characters, but also their social standing and their worldly success. She is a woman who is deeply interested in the affairs of today and keeps herself fully informed of public movements. Not only her children, but all who know her, rise up to "call her blessed." ENJAMIN F. KABLE. Among the rep- resentative citizens of North Otter Town- ship, prominent in business and religious circles and honored by eve^-one for his noble war record, we are proud to place high the name which we have just recorded. He is the eldest son of .lames Kable and was born in Greene County, Ohio, April 4, 1840. In his native home he grew to manhood and received the usual educa- tion and training which is given to a farmer's boy in an intelligent and practical family. Later in his boyhood he was a resident of Miami County, Ohio, and remained there until the war broke out. He was early interested in the struggle to maintain the honor of the old flag, and when he had barely reached his majority joined the army and nobly did his share in the struggle to maintain the insti- tutions which were established by our forefathers. The young man enlisted January 31. 1862. in Company I, Seventy-first Ohio Infantry. He served for nearly four years and did not take his discharge until 1866. Some of the important engagements in which he took part were Shiloh, Franklin and Nashville, Tenn. At the battle of Shiloh he was slightly wounded in the foot and at Clarksville, Tenn., he was taken prisoner by the rebel forces, but was not kept "in durance vile" as long as were many of his companions. He was soon sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he remained until he was exchanged. It was in January, 1866, that the young soldier returned, bronzed by exposure and with honorable scars, to take up the pursuits of peace. He settled in North Otter Township, Macoupin County, and has since made this his home. He now owns about seven hundred acres in this township, which he is cultivating in a most thorough and systematic manner. On another page is presented a view of his home, which is a delightful one within and at- tractive without, and the excellence cf his barns and sheds speaks whole volumes in praise of the man who can work as well as he can fight. Nothing in his whole life so sincerely gratifies this noble man as to review his days of hardship and suffering upon the battlefield and the march. His devotion to his country was a whole-hearted one and he grudges nothing of all that he gave in time and strength. Soon after his return from the war Mr. Kable was united in marriage with the woman whose tine heart had followed him through all his wanderings and marches. His wedding was solemnized in North Otter Township, May 3, 1866, the bride being Elizabeth Mayer. She had the happiness of presenting her husband with one child, Theodore, and then died May 10, 1868, leaving the little one to mourn the irreparable loss of a mother. The second marriage of Mr. Kable took place in North Otter Township, November 11, 1872, his bride being Miss Anna Freeman, by whom he has RESIDENCE OF B. F. K ABL E , SEC. 9., NORTH OTTER TRjMACOUPIN CO., ILL. RESIDENCE OF T. F. COULTAS , SEC.6. , VI RDEN TR, MACOUPIN CO., ILL. LIBRARY OF T«f UH''"-' PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 465 five children, namely: Ma»y Alice, .lames F., Rus- sell P., Charles II., and Nellie A. The mother of these children was horn in Chatham, Sangamon County, III., and is a lady of unusual culture and refinement as well as ability in managing Die affairs of her household and training her children with wisdom and discretion. Our subject has been Justice of tiie Peace for four years and has also filled the office of School Director and Highway Commissioner. He is a Di- rector in the Farmers' Mutual Aid Association of Yirden and North Otter. He has also been one of the School Trustees and takes an active part in po- litical movements, being a Republican in his con- victions and working for the interest of that party. The Methodist Church is the religious body with which our subject is connected and where he is an active worker. He is also prominently identified with the John Baird Post, No. 285, G. A. R. THOMAS FOSTER COULTAS. The beau- ,, liful home and delightful surroundings I (i) ) V — / mark the farm of Mr. Coultas as one of the most attractive to be found in Yirden Township. It is no more charming, however, in its exterior than in its interior, as it is the happy home of those who know how to enjoy life and how to make; it happy for others, and their true hospitality brings every guest into harmony with the surroundings. A view of the commodious residence is presented to the readers of the Record. Mr. Coultas was born in what is now Scott County, III., September 2-t, 18.32. His father, James Coultas, and his mother, Mary Foster, were both natives of Yorkshire. They came from Eng- land about 1830 and made their home in what is now Scott County, III., where they continued to re- side until they were called hence by death. Two sons and one daughter constituted their little fam- ily circle and the son Thomas was the second in order of age. He grew to manhood in his native home, remaining there until March, 1867, when he removed to this county and settled on section 7, Virden Township. Young Coultas early chose as his life calling the pursuits of agriculture and with general farming has mingled stock raising, although he has not made a specialty of thai line. Upon his home he has erected a No. 1 set of farm buildings and he is the proud possessor of a beautiful farm of four hundred acres, all in the township where he makes his home. The happy marriage of Thomas Foster Coultas and Elizabeth J. Loud took place in Macoupin County, February 4, 1855. This lady was born in York County. Me., March 16, 1835, and is the daugh- ter of the late Rufus W. Loud, who was a ship- builder by trade, but who after coming to Illinois followed farming. Her mother was Jane Scam- mon and this worthy couple came to Illinois in the latter part of the '30s and thus did much pioneer work. Mr. Loud died at Ft. Scott. Kan.; Mrs. Loud lived to be over seventy years of age and then met her death by a sad calamity. She was driving in a buggy when the horse took fright and she was thrown out and killed. SSftfah-tfright and blooming children have blessed the home if.M^ajid Mrs. Coultas and they are by name: Ellen, Horace W., Rufus J., Alvin P., Franklin E., Annie and Emma J. The eldest daughter is married to Mr. Daniel Organ. This happy and united family are foremost in every good word and work, being all, father, mother, and children, united in the faith of the Chris- tian religion and members together in the Pres- byterian Church, to which Mr. Coultas has been attached since he was twenty-one years old and where he fills the office of Elder. Air. Coultas has largely forwarded the educational affairs of the township in his otlice as School Trustee. He has also done excellent service in making more con- venient and useful the roads of the county while serving as Highway Commissioner. •S^' ^\ AMUEL E. HETTICK. The ancestral his- tory of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch presents many incidents of in- terest. His father. Stephen, was the son of Andrew Ilettick whose father, Christian, was a na- [66 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tive of Germany who settled on the Pennsylvania frontier and was murdered by the Indians when the son Andrew was a little lad of six years. The child was in captivity to the savages for three years l>ut was finally rescued by the soldiers and returned to his mother. She had married a second lime and he was reared by her and his step-father and every- thing done to remove the cloud of sorrow which had been brought upon him by the terrible scenes through which he passed. The sears which he re- ceived at the time of his capture went with him to his grave. After a few years he started out in life for himself and became a pioneer in Fayette County, Ohio. After going to Ohio, Andrew Hettick raised stock and drove it to market across the mountains to Baltimore and Philadelphia. In 1.S1G he removed to what was then the Territory of Illinois, making his journey in a keel boat on the Ohio and Missis- sippi Rivers, lie bought two hundred acres of land in Monroe County and there made his home until 1820, when he removed to Greene County. After living for live years in Carrolllon he removed to Scott ville Township, Macoupin County and became the first actual settler in what was afterward this township and one of the first in the county, which was then a part of Greene County, lie settled upon a tract of Government land, built two log houses and a log stable and broke thirty acres of land. He was unable to buy as he was entirelj' without means, but this land was properly entered by a would-be settler who gave Mr. Hettick $100 as a compensation for the work he had done and with that money he was able to enter eighty acres and secure a home of his own, upon which he built a hewed log house, which was his home until his death in 1853. Stephen Hettick, one of the sons of Andrew, grew to maturity amid the primitive scenes of pio- neer life and before his marriage entered eighty acres on section 28, Scottville Township, where he built a log house preparatory to housekeeping. He was married December 24, 1853, to Delilah Sharpe who was born in Clinton, Tenn., May 14, 1817. She is a daughter of William and Sarah (Kirk) Sharpe, and of the children born to her the follow- ing are now living: Kmily, wife of Henry Ruyle; Melinda, wife of J. W. Neighbors; Andrew, John, Stephen A. Jesse B. and Samuel E., our subject. The parents are earnest and consistent members of the Baptist Church. The subject of this sketch was born on the home farm in Scottville Township, June 12, 185!) and commenced to assist on the farm as soon as large enough to lend a hand. He also attended the dis- trict school and took the best ad vantage that he could of the opportunities given him for an educa- tion. He resided with his parents until his mar- riage, which occurred December 11, 1877, when he was united in marriage with Nancy A. Walker, a native of Scottville Township, who was born April 30, I860. This daughter of James and China (Owens) Walker. After marriage Samuel Hettick took charge of the home place for some time and finally settled on the farm which he now owns and occupies. This land is situated on sections 24 and 25, of Scottville Township and comprises two hundred and fifty acres of rich prairie soil suitable for tillage and pastuie land. He has placed it in a first-class con- dition and its appearance is a credit to the town- ship. He is a thorough and systematic farmer but, devotes himself largely to stock-raising, not only raising a good grade himself but buying stock, which he feeds and ships to market. Four children have blessed this bappy home — Clara M., Nellie, Ruth and Opal, whose future is bright and promises well not only for their own happiness and well-being but also for upholding the high reputation which this family has sustained in the past. ^ OHN W. HETTICK, the owner and operator of fine farmland in Scottville Township, was born there August 22,1845. The history of the ancestral line is not without incidents of romantic interest and thrilling excitement. Christian Hettick, a native of Germany, emigrated to America and settled on the Pennsylvania fron- tier. He was murdered by Indians wdien his son Andrew was a lad six years old and the child was taken captive and held three years. He was then PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 16 rescued by soldiers and taken to his old home. The scars from wounds he received at the time of his capture were borne by him until his death. During bis captivity liis mother married a second time and be remained with her and Ids step-fathei a few- years only, then started out to battle for himself. He went to Ohio and settled in Fayette County, where Indians were more numerous than whites and where all the trials of typical pioneer life beset his way. Andrew Hettick was in the habit of driving his stock across the mountains to Baltimore and Phil- adelphia, there being no railroad communications with the Eastern States. In 1816 he removed to what was then the Territory 'jf Illinois, performing the journey on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in a keelboat. He stopped in what is now Monroe County and bought t'.vo hundred acres of land on the American bottoms. There he made his home until 1820. then became a resident of Greene Count}', living near Carrollton five years and at the conclusion of that period taking up his abode in what is now Scottville Township, this county. He was the first actual settler in the township ami one of the first in the county, which was at that time a part of Greene County. His means were very lim- ited and although the land sold at ¥1.25 per acre, he could not buy a farm. He "•squatted" on a tract of Government land, built two log houses and a log stable and broke thirty acres. The land was properly entered by a would-be settler, who gave Mr. Hettick $100 as a compensation for the work he had done, and with that money he was able to enter eighty acres on section 27, and. secure a home of his own He built a hewed log house and lived there until his decease in 1853. In the family of Andrew Hettick was a son, Stephen, who was bom in Fayette County, Ohio, duly 24, 1809, and who was one of the five chil- dren brought by the parents to this Stale in 1816, He grew to maturity amid the primitive scenes of pioneer times. He vividly remembers those days and recalls with interest the fact that for several years after the removal hither there were no rail- roads in this part of the country and St. Louis was the most accessible and important market. The scattered families lived almost entirely upon the products of their farms, and coffee was one of the luxuries seldom found in their dwellings. He and his brothers and sisters wore homespun made l.\ their mother's hand, she having a thorough knowl- edge of all the processes by which Max or wool was converted into clothing, lie grew to a vigorous manhood, having but little opportunity to pursue the knowledge found in the text books, but ac- quiring a good understanding of practical affairs and imbibing, as from the air around him, the sterling principles which were generally characteris- tic of those bred on the frontier. Before his mar- riage he entered eighty acres of land on section 28, Scottville Township, and built a log house in which be subsequently began housekeeping. He split logs for flooring. He has lived on the same farm since his marriage, but has changed its appearance so umch that it would hardly be recognized as the same property. The old log cabin has been re- placed by a more modern dwelling and substantial buildings of various kinds have risen near. Mr. Hettick bought other land at different times and held the title to upward of two thousand acres at one time. Stephen Hettick was married December 24, 1853, to Delilah Sharpe,who was born in Clayton County, Tenn., May 14, 1817. She is a daughter of Will iam and Sarah (Kirk) Sharpe, and her early train- ing was such as to fit her for the position which she occupied as the wife of an early settler. Of the children born to her the following are now liv- ing: Emily, wife of Henry Ruyle; Melinda, wife of J. W. Neighbors; Andrew, John, Stephen A., Jesse I'... Samuel E. and Sarah, Mrs. Angelow. The par- ' cnts belong to the I'nited Baptist Church. The subject of this biographical sketch began to assist his father on the farm as soon as his strength would permit. He attended school as opportunity offered and became well versed in the more prac- tical branches of an English education, and from lime to time added to his store of knowledge by the varied means opened to all observing ,nd thoughtful minds. He remained with his parents until his marriage at twenty three years of a«e, then settled near the present site of Hettick Sta- tion. He lived there sixteen years, then took pos- session of the farm he now operates selling his 468 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. other property and buying here. Following the example set before him by his honored ancestors, he has worked diligently and carefully, and is classed among the best farmers in this section of the country. He votes the Democratic ticket, and he and his wife belong to the Baptist Church in which they have good standing, as they have throughout the community. The marriage of our subject to Miss Martha E. Calhoun occurred April 8, 1869. The bride was born in Casey County. Ivy., where her father, .lames Calhoun and her grandfather, William Cal- houn, also opened their eyes to the light. In that county James Calhoun married Julia Wood, daugh- ter of A brain and Martha Wood, and thence they came to this State in 1851. Mr. Calhoun died in Scottville Township the year after his arrival. His widow subsequently married .John S. McCqlom, (deceased), and is now living in Barr Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hettick have seven children, named respectively: James I . Stephen I.., Cora E., Julia D., Charles ().. Ola May and Frank. - si y J »«. >• OSES BRUBAKER, a resident of Girard, has acquired sufficient wealth in the exer- cise of his vocation as a farmer to enable him to live retired from active labor, though he still retains possession of his finely im- proved farm. A native of Roanoke County. Ya., our subject was born October .">. lS.'ib. Hi-; father, whose given name was Joel, was a native of the same county, and was a son of Henry Brubaker, who was a Pennsylvania!) by birth. He in turn was a son of John Brubaker, who was born in Ger- many or in Pennsylvania of German parentage. He went from there to Virginia, and was an early settler in that part of Botetourt County, now in- eluded in Roanoke County, where he passed the re- mainder of his life in the pursuits of agriculture, lie was a stanch member of the German Baptist Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Annie Myers, also spent her last years on the old Vir- ginia homestead, and now rests beside her hus- band in the cemetery on their old farm, located four miles northwest of the village of Salem. Henry Brubaker was young when his parents re- moved to Virginia. He inherited a portion of the old homestead, and resided on it until his death, in 1848. The maiden name of his first wife, grand- mother of our subject, was Christiana Flory. Her last years were spent in Franklin County, Ya. The maiden name of his second wife was Salome Eler. By his first wife there were seven children that grew to maturity, and by his second marriage he had ten children. The father of our subject was a life long resident of his native State. His father assisted him to buy a farm near his early home. He was prosperously engaged in raising stock, grain, tobacco, etc., until his death, in January, 1853. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Betsy Fisher, came to Illinois after his death to live with her children, and died at Virden, in 1865. She was a native of Franklin County, Va., and a daughter of Peter Fisher, who is supposed »o have spent his entire life in Vir- ginia. The parents of our subject were God-fear- ing people, and among the most faithful members of the German Baptist Church, rearing their chil- dren to the same belief. They were the parents of ten children, who are named Sally, Mary, Susan. Magdaline, Elizabeth, Catherine, Moses, John, Noah and Peter. Sally and Magdaline are dead. Our subject received his education in his native county, and amid its pleasant scenes grew to man's estate. After his father's death, he being the eld- est son, the care of the home farm devolved upon him, and he had charge of it until he was twenty- four years old. At that age he we.it to Ohio, and bought a farm in Clarke Count}', near Enon. He devoted himself to its cultivation for a number of years, but finally disposed of it in 1864, in order to take up his residence in this county, as he was very favorably impressed with its genial climate and with the surpassing fertility of its soil. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Virden Township, and ten acres of timber in South Otter Township. At that time a set of frame buildings stood on the place, including a small frame house and a stable. He constantly made ilBRARY Of TKF WVERSITV OF IU 4 V n zJ£etcy/cA^~ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 171 improvements, and under his careful management the farm increased in worth and became a valuable pine of properly. In January, 1879, lie rented his farm, and coming to Girard, bought his present comfortable residence, which he and his amiable wife and family make the center of pleasant hospitality. They and all their children, except one, are influential members of the German Bap- tist Church, and they are greatly esteemed in their neighborhood for their many fine traits of char- acter. Mr. Bru baker has been twice married. January 27. 1856, he was wedded to Miss Susan Brubaker. She was born in Clarke County, Ohio. April 9, is:{;), a daughter of Jonathan Brubaker. she died December in, 18(38, leaving behind her a good record as a faithful wife and loving mother. Four children are living that were born of that marriage — Mary, Peter, Elizabeth and Jonathan. The sec- ond marriage of our subject, which took place June 20, 18G l J, was with Miss Lizzie Basler. She is a native of Noble County, Ind.. and a daughter of Henry and Margaret (Sludebaker) Basler. Her mother was a native of Pennsylvania, and a daugh- ter of John and Hannah Studebaker. Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker have four children, namely: Lima, Asa, Susan and Lydia. f? z "ACHARIAII THACKER, one of the largest landholders in this section of the State, stands among the foremost of the success- ful farmers and stock-raisers of this county, who have been such important factors in its develop- ment. Held in veneration and esteem by all who know him, he is now living in pleasant retirement in his home in Nilwood, where he is enjoying his wealth at leisure. The reader will be pleased to notice his portrait on the opposite page. Mr. Thacker is a native-born citizen of this State, his birthplace was in Edwards County, and the date of his birth October 4, 1820. His father, whose name was Thomas Thacker. was born either in Virginia or in one of the Carol inas, a son of one, Zachariah Thacker. who. as far as known, spent his last years in one of these Stales. The father of our subject was but an infant when bis parents died, and an older sister took charge of him. On her removal to Kentucky she took him with her, and he was reared in Mulhenberg County, that State, where he married. S i after thai event Mr. Thacker emigrated to the wilds of Indiana, where he resided a short time before coming to Illinois in 1818, and lo- cating among the pioneers of Edwards County. He made a claim to a tract of Government land, but did not have money enough to enter it until he worked to earn it. He was very industrious and toiled incessantly to make a home for his little family. His prospects were good, but bis career was suddenly terminated by his untimely death, while in the very prime of life, in 1821. He left his widow in limited circumstances with two small children to care for. After the death of the father the mother re- lumed to Kentucky with her children, and lived with a brother some seven years. At the expira- tion of tljat time she married again, becoming the wife of Elijah Ash, and soon after the family re- turned to Illinois and settled in St. Clair County. After a two years' residence there the}' removed to that part of Morgan County now included in Scott County, where our subject was reared on a farm. When he was eighteen years old his step- father agreed to give him the money to enter forty acres of land if he would help him to grub and clear his farm. Mr. Thacker accepted the offer, and remained with Mr. Ash. who in about a year gave him the promised money, and he entered his land in Greene Count} - . He continued to assist Mr. Ash awhile longer and during that time sold his forty acre tract and entered eighty acres in the same county. At the age of twenty years he started out in life for himself, his father giving him a colt valued at $20. He was $18 in debt, but he had his eighty acres of wild land to begin with. He Brst assisted bis brother in grubbing a piece of land, intending to put in a crop of buckwheat, but could not do so, as his brother and family were taken sick and he gave up his time to caring for them. 472 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. After that Mr. Tbacker found employment in the harvest Geld at $1.25 a day, and the same fall he went to Madison County and procured a job to chop wood at seventy-five cents a cord, lie finally located on his land, and after grubbing and break- ing a few acres sold it for $800. In 1842 he came to Macoupin County and made a claim to ,i tract of Government land in Palmyra Township. He at once broke twenty acres of the land and put in a crop of wheat, and in 1844 sold his claim at a good advance on the purchase price. He next came into possession of eighty acres of timber and brush land and of fifteen acres of clear timber- and he resided on that place some years. After that he removed to Nil wood Township, where he bought land and actively engaged in farming and in buying and clearing other land until 1887. lie then removed to Nilwood, where he has since lived retired from active labor in one of its most com- fortable homes. He has been marvellously pros- pered in his transactions, showing more than ordi- nary forethought, keenness and business tact in his operations, and at one time he owned upwards of twenty-five hundred acres of fine farming land, the greater part of which consisted of rich prai- rie in the best part of Illinois. He has provided liberally for his children, and still holds large tracts of land in this county. Mr. Thacker was married, in 18 11, to Miss Nancy, daughter of Israel Walker, and a native of Kentucky. For many years they passed life happily together, and she was all to him that a true woman can be to her husband, wise in coun- sel and helpful in all things, and her death in the home that she had helped him to build up on the farm in Nilwood Township was a grievous loss to her household. She was a sincere Christian in word and deed, and for many years was an earn- est member of the Baptist Chin ill. Seven children were the fruit of that marriage, as follows: Caro- line, wife of Thomas Tolbert; Thomas; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Garst; Leander; John W.; Edna, wife of Harvey Tietsort; and Fanny, wife of John Duncan. Mr. Thacker is a fine type of our self-made men, possessing, as he does, an active mind, an indomi- table will, firmness anil honest}' of purpose, to- gether with other qualities that insure success, command respect in the business world, and gain the trust and consideration of neighbors and asso ciates. The worth of his citizenship is unques- tioned, and in him the Baptist Church finds a zeal- ous member His children also belong to the same denomination. ^ETER HEINZ, who was formerly identified with the business interests of Carlinville, as a manufacturer of furniture, is now liv- ing in honorable retirement, in the enjoy- ment of the ample income that he secured by in- dustry and by excellent management. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 28, 1826. His father, Henry Heinz, was a native of the same vil- lage, and was a son of Karl Heinz, who was born in the same district, and was the proprietor of a glass factory. The great-grandfather was a pioneer of Saxe-Coburg, settling there in the wilderness. He and his father received permission from the then reigning duke of that province to use all the wood that the}' wished, and they thereupon established a idnss factory in the German forests. Henry Heinz was a glass blower by trade, and he followed this occupation both in Saxony'and Ba- varia, dying in the latter country in I860. His wife, whose maiden name was Carolina Morgendhurn.was born at the capital city of Saxe-Coburg. Her father was body guard to the Duke of Saxe-Coburg, and resided at the seat of government many years, be- ing a pensioner during the latter part of his life. The parents of our subject reared three sons and two daughters. One of their sons died in his na- tive land in 1852, and another in the spring of 1891. Peter Heinz grew to man's estate in the Father- land, and received an excellent education in its public schools, which he attended from the age of six years quite steadily until he was fourteen years of age. He then went to school only a part of the time and the rest of the time was employed in a slate factory. After he was eighteen years old he worked in the slate factory continuously for some POKTRAJT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 473 yenrs. Thinking that liis prospects of achieving success in life would be greatly enhanced if he were to emigrate 1o the I'nited Slates of America, be came hither in is.">2. lie sit sail from Bremen mi the ship ••< < ustav", and landed at New Orleans on the 31st of December, after a long and stormy voyage. From that city he went to St. Louis on the steamer ''Uncle Sam", and from there came to Macoupin County to join his sister. Mrs. Caroline Kerr, in Chesterfield Township. After coming here Mr. Heinz found employment with a farmer in Chesterfield Township, and con- tinued thus engaged until 1854, when he suffered so from chills and fever that he was obliged to give up work. For thirteen months he was unable to do anything and had to spend all his hard earned savings to pay his expenses during that long ill- ness. He therefore had to begin life anew, and coming to Carlinville in 1855 he commenced work at the trade of a carpenter, and was employed by one man a year and a half. Here he met with far- ther discouragement in his attempts to become in- dependent, as he lost all his wages. His next move was to establish himself as a contractor in Spring- Meld, and from that time his affairs flourished and everything went well with him. lie staid in Springfield but a few months and then returned to Carlinville. He took a contract to erect three build- ings in this town, and continued buisness in that line fo:' a year At the expiration of tbat time he began the manufacture of furniture, commencing in a small frame shop, and as his business increased he added to the building, and finally erected in 1 'S? 2. the commodious brick structure now occupied by his sons. It is located on West Main Street, is two stories high, and is 30x100 feet in dimensions. Mr. Heinz continued actively engaged in the man- ufacture and sale of furniture until 1883, when, well satisfied with the competence he had secured. he turned the business over to his sons who are still carrying it on successfully. Our subject was married in 1856 to Miss Johanna Enapner, a native of Bavaria, and a daughter of Karl Knapncr, and in her he has a true and de- voted wife. They have four sons and one daughter, as follows: Fredericka. wife of John Kistner; Charles, Henry, Albert A. and Gustav. The fine business and financial qualities displayed by our subject in the management of his own af- fairs have b-ought him into prominence in public life, and he has held many important civic offices, in all cases showing himself to lie animated with true public spirit and an honest desire to promote the best interests of city and county. He was a member of the City Council in 18G6-C8-69; he was Collector in 1871-72; and in 1*7G, 1882 and 1883 was Mayor of Carlinville. In 1885 he was elected to the responsible office of County Treasurer, and managed the finances of the county with character- istic sagacity and honesty, holding the office until L890. Our subject is still identified with the mon- etary interests of Macoupin County, as he is Vice- President of the Carlinville National Hank, to which office he was elected when that institution was or- ganized in 1890. Politically, our subject has always been in sympathy with the Democrats. Religiously, be was reared in the Lutheran faith, and has always remained true to the religion of his forefathers. He helped to erect the first Lutheran Church in this city as one of its organizers, and his always been one of the most ardent and devoted members. '^^^^ < f3 ' 4 » — - — — fifjOHN L. NOEL. The Blue Grass region of Kentucky has long claimed supremacy in di stock-raising, maintaining that the elements / in the soil conduced to better physical con- dition of stock than can be attained elsewhere in all the world:- '-The Central States have begun to contest tfiiYclaHn..b&,aj:oducing horses that vie in strength, beauty and Beetness with any that Ken- tucky boasts. What is more beautiful than a large farm, divided into paddocks where are grazing the mild-eyed, fiery nostril, light-limbed bearers of burdens. One of the most attractive of these farms in Macoupin County is owned by John L. Noel who has one hundred and sixty acres of fine land all under cultivation, and which is known as the Plain View Stock Farm, located on section 7, Dor- chester Township. Mr. Noel was born in Adams County, July 20, 1849. He came of Pennsylvania parents, of whom a full history may be found under the biographical sketch of J. Quincy Noel. He has lived in this county since he was twelve years of age. He had been a farmer of Dorchester Township prior to go- ing into the livery and stock-breeding business. It was after he came here that he set out for himself. When he arrived at man's estate, Mr. Noel wooed and won Miss Louisa Etta Line, who was born in Madison County, this State, not far from Foster- burg. She was reared there, her parents having located at that place several years before her birth. Her father and mother died while she was yet a small child, about six years old, and she was 488 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. adopted into a family where she was treated witli all the affection of an own child. Her foster par- ents, William Bahr and wife, lived in Macoupin and Madison Counties until she became of age. Mrs. Noel is a true wife and helpmate to her hus- band, and the words of the Wise Man might well be applied to this estimable lady. Our subject is the proprietor of Percheron and Norman imported horses, and owns many breed- ing animals, including a very fine Spanish Jack. He has made himself an enviable reputation as a breeder of line stock. Prior to his entry in this business, he was engaged for fourteen years in the livery business in Bunker Hill City. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Noel has been blest by the birth of seven children, all of whom are liv- ing and at home, except the youngest, James Ed- ward. Their names are Frank W., Louisa, John L., Charles A., Cecelia A. and Joseph. Mr. aid Mrs. Noel are devoted members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Noel is a sound Democrat in poli- tics. The attention of the reader is invited to a view on another page of the attractive stock farm of Mr. Noel. «, WILLIAM LOVE, who for the past seven \f\lll y ears uas successfully conducted a meat tyy market in Gillespie, was born in Connecti- cut on the 10th of January, 1834. and comes from a good New England family, which in Colonial days was established in America. His paternal grandfather, Leonard Love, was a native of Rhode Island. He spent almost his entire life on a farm, which bordered on the boundary line between that State and Connecticut, and there died at the ad- vanced age of eighty-one years. He came of Eng- lish ancestry, and at the early age of seventeen years was drafted into the Colonial army, serving his country faithfully until independence was achieved. In his native State he married a Miss King, who was also born, reared and died in Rhode Island. Leonard Love, the father of our subject, grew to manhood upon his father's farm, and spent the greater part of his life upon the old homestead in Rhode Island, where he passed away in March, 1890, at the age of eighty years. He was a prom- inent and influential citizen of the community in which he lesided, was a faithful member of the Baptist Church, and in political sentiment was a Democrat. He married Mahala Knox, a lady of Scotch descent, who still survives him and is liv- ing on the old home in Rhode Island, at the age of seventy-nine years. She, too, is a member of the Baptist Church, and a lady of many excellencies of character. William Love, whose name heads this sketch, is the fourth in order of birth of their family of nine children, of whom four sons and three daughters are yet living. He is the only one who makes his liome in the West. When a young lad, his parents removed from the Nutmeg Stale to Rhode Island, where the days of bis boyhood and youth were spent. He learned the trade of a carpenter in the in the city of Providence, and after coming West, engaged in that occupation to some extent. The year 1857 witnessed his arrival in Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, where for four years he engaged in carpenter work, and then carried on a meat mar- ket in connection with farming for five years. The succeeding nine years of his life he devoted his en- tire energies to agricultural pursuits, living upon his farm in Bunker Hill Township, whence became to Gillespie some seven years since. Again he opened a meat market, which he yet carries on, having an excellent trade. His business is there- fore in a flourishing condition — the natural result of his persevering efforts. He is genial in manner, and by his fair dealing and desire to please his pa- trons he has secured a liberal share of the public trade. In Bunker Hill Mr. Love was united in marriage with Miss Mary Hillier, who was born in England, and when a young lad}', came to America with her father, Thomas Hillier, and his family. They lo- cated in Bunker Hill, where the parents lived for some years, and then removed to Shipman, where the father died at the age of seventy, and the mother in her sixty-eighth year. They were mem- bers of the Episcopal Church. Mrs. Love was carefully reared by her parents and received the educational advantages afforded by the excellent PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 189 schools of Bunker Hill. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children, four of whom arc yet living — Henrietta L., Adelaide ,1., Nellie J. and Gertrude D. The last two have taught in the district schools of the count)', and possess consid- erable ability in this direction. All are educated and refined young ladies who figure prominently in the social circles of this community. One (laughter, Ida M., died in childhood. In politics Mr. Love is a stalwart Democrat who keeps himself well informed on the political issues of the day, and has held several positions of public trust, having been a member of the Village Board and Mayor of Gillespie since coming to this place. His wife and daughters are members of the Episco pal Church. He ranks high among the business men of the town, and is regarded as one of the en- terprising and progressive citizens of the commu- nity. He owns one of the fine brick residence properties of Bunker Hill. SfAMES WILSON is one of the large,' land- owners of this county, his possessions amounting to six hundred and eighty acres. ' all except twenty in Honey Point Township He has been more than ordinarily successful in prosecuting agricultural affairs, as may be seen by his large holding of real estate. His land is well improved and his home is one of the most attract- ive rural residences in this pa.t of the State. Mr. Wilson, who is now quite advanced in years, is not obliged to exert himself, as he has all that heart can wish of material comforts, and can, by a wise oversight of his property, derive an income amply sufficient for all his wants. Mr. Wilson traces his descent from one John Wilson, a native of Scotland, who removed thence to Londonderry, Ireland, and spent his last years there. His wife was Martha Caldwell and in their family was a son, George, who was born in Scot- land, but grew to man's estate in Ireland. That gentleman was married in the Emerald Isle to Jane Donelson,a native of Londonderry and a daughter of Andrew Donelson, who lived to the extreme age of one hundred and two years. He was an Irish farmer, but was of Scotch ancestry and his wife, Molly Jackson, was a sister to the grandfather of the famous Confederate General,, ••stonewall" Jackson. About 1812 George Wilson emigrated to America and settled in New Jersey, buying a tract of land near Newton, the county-seat of Sussex County. There he and his wife spent the remnant of their days and died strong in the Chris- tian faith, both having been members of the Pres- byterian Church. They had seven children, but one daughter died when tvyelye years old and another still earlier iu life. Those who grew to maturity were James, Rebecca, Marga'retta, < ieorge and Martha. James Wilson was born'in Hussex- County, N. J., December 16, 181:5, and was reared ami ed- ucated there. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-three years of. age and he was then employed to run a stationary engine at the Stan- hope Iron Works in that county. He remained there nearly seven years and left his position in 1849 in order to come to the Mississippi Valley. With his wife and three children he started for Iowa, traveling by rail to Pittsburg and then on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Burlington. He set up his home in Lee Count)', buying a tract of partly-improved land, fourteen miles north of Ft. Madison. On this property there was a small farmhouse, in which he established his little family. He also bought a half section of raw prairie land, adjoining the partly- improved property, and later secured an entire section. He lived in LeeCountv until 1862, then sold his property there and came hither, buying the land on which he has since made his home. February 5, 1826, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Ban 1 , a native of England, and a daughter of Andrew and Sarah (English) Barr. She shared his fortunes Until 1876, when she was called from time to eteiuitv. Of the ten children born of the union, eight grew to maturity, namely: John, Janus B., Edwin H., (ieorge A., Robert D.. Jane Eliza, Rebecca and r Martha A. Rebecca is now deceased, having died in 1861). After living as, a widower several year's MK Wilson made a second marriage, Apiil io, 490 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1881, his bride on this occasion being Mrs. Maggie Hamilton, nee Wager. Tliis lady was born in Smilhland, Ky.. is a daughter of Benjamin Wager and is an estimable lady. Her first husband was H. H. Hamilton, by whom she had one child, Fanny B. Not only has Mr. Wilson been exceptionally fortunate in agricultural work, but he has kept himself well informed of passing events and has built up a character that entitles him to the respect of his acquaintances. His political allegiance is given to the principles of Democracy. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and his wife is a Methodist. sa^s*- IC1IARD CROMWELL, deceased, was one of the prominent citizens of Bunker Hill, i™ where he died on the 30th of June, 1889, respected by all who knew him. He was born in Washington County, Mil., January 30, 1810, and traced his ancestry buck to the great English protector, Oliver Cromwell. His father, Richard Cromwell, was born in this country of English and Scotch parentage and became a prom- inent farmer in Washington County, Md. He was a second cousin of Oliver Cromwell, and his death occurred in Maryland in 1821. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan McLaughlin, was a native of Washington County. Md., born of Scotch an- cestry, and after her husband's death she lived a widow for about fifty years. In the meantime she removed to Greene County, Ohio, where for a long time she made her homo with her son-in-law, J. B. Hawkins, dying at that place February 20, 1872, at the age of eighty-nine years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell were members and active workers in the ( i-erraan Heformed Church. Their family numbered six children, three of whom are living near Xenia, in Greene County, Ohio. The early life of Richard Cromwell, of this sketch, passed uneventfully, he spending his days in the county of his nativity until he had arrived at the age of twenty years, when he accompanied his parents to Greene County, Ohio, where after- ward he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline, daughter of Jacob anil Margaret (Font) Eichel- berger. She was born in Frederick County, Md., August 24, 1817, and her parents were natives of Germany. They came to America when young, locating in Maryland, where they grew to manhood and womanhood and were married in 1806, in Freder- ick County, where for some years they lived upon a farm. Mr. Eichelberger died in that county in the prime of life. His widow, accompanied by her eight children, afterward emigrated to Greene County, Ohio, where she became the wife of John Cramer. She died in Bellbrook in the faith of the German Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Eichelber- ger was also a member. Of the seven children born unto that worthy couple Mrs. Cromwell is the fifth in order of birth and the only one now living. She was about twelve years of age when her father died and had attained to her twenty-first year when the family removed to the Buckeye State. In 1842, with her husband and four children, she came to Illinois. They settled in Hilyaid Town- ship, Macoupin County, where they began their life in the West in true pioneer style upon a rented farm. As Mr. Cromwell was successful in his un- dertakings, ne afterward became able to purchase land, and at the time of his death his possessions acroTpgated two hundred and eighty acres, two hun- dred of which were comprised in the home farm. He was enterprising, industrious and persevering, and by good management he won a comfortable competence. Following farming until 1880 he then laid aside business cares and removed to Bunker Hill, where he lived a retired life. His death occur- red June 30, 1889, being caused by a fall from a moving wagon driven by a neighbor. Mrs. Crom- well is yet living in Bunker Hill, where she has many friends and acquaintances. She is a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church and a good Christian woman. Nine children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell, and all are yet living, have married and p.re prospering in life. John D., who wedded Miss Mary C. Ilutton, is living on a farm in Honey Point Township; Susan M., is the wife of James White, an extensive and successful farmer of Montgomery County; Margaret A., is the wife of I/BRARV OF TMF HNfVERSfTy PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 193 Matthew Hayes, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits inGilIespie Township; Comfort C, widow of W. J. Baird, resides in St. Louis: Samantha M., is the wife of diaries Lockyer, a resident farmer of Hilyard Township; Sarah C, wedded David A. Smalley, a successful agriculturist of Spivey, Kingman County, Kan.; Mary E., is the wife of Eugene R. Smalley, also a farmer of Kingman County; Joseph O., wedded Mary Klliman, and is farming in Hilyard Township, and William A. is engaged in the same pursuit in Bunker Ilill Town- ship. He wedded Mary Roberts, hut his wife is now deceased. The sons are all Democrats in politics and all the children have become useful men and women, and respected members of soci- ety. Mr. Cromwell was also a stalwart supporter of Democratic principles, and for some years served as Supervisor of Hilyard Township, proving an efficient officer. In religious belief he was a Uni- versalist and lived an upright life which won him the conlidence and regard of all. By those who knew him he was highly respected for his sterling worth, and no man is more worthy of a represen- tation in this volume. — *-«-Sr^<£H-4_J- ROF. THOMAS E. MOORE, County Super- intendent of Schools, is known throughout the State as an intelligent and progressive educator who is eminently fitted for the im- portant office of which he is an incumbent. He is a native of this county, born in Honey Point Township, September 16, 1847. He is a son of Thomas D. Moore, a native of Danville, Ky., who was an early pioneer of this section of Illinois and bore an honorable part in its development. The paternal grandfather of our subject, William Moore, was born in Virginia and was a son of an emigrant from the North of Ireland who was de- scended from Scotch ancestry and who came to this country in Colonial times. He first settled in Virginia, whence he went to Kentucky and was one of the early pioneers of Danville, where he died. He was a stanch Presbyterian, religiously. The grand father of our subject was reared in Virginia, and going to Kentucky in early manhood he was there married to Ellen Duncan, a native of Fau- quier County, Va.. and a daughter of William Dun- can. who was also a Virginian by birth. Grandfather Moore was a farmer and after his removal to Dan- ville, Ky., he devoted himself to his calling in that place the remainder of his life. Thomas I). Moore resided in his native State until 1834 and then at the age of twenty years he started out in the world to try life elsewhere, go- ing forth from his old home well equipped for the struggle that lay before him in a pioneer country. His mind was well trained by the excellent educa- tion he had received at Centre College, and his early training had given him good habits and firm principles. He came lo Illinois and cast in his lot with the few settlers that had preceded him in the little hamlet of Carlinville, where there were then but a few log houses. He had learned the trade of a carpenter, and as he found men of that calling in demand he actively set to work at it for a time. and assisted in building the first frame house that was ever erected in this place. Mr. Moore was unmarried when he came here, and his mother kept house for him a year. At the expiration of that time he returned to his native State to claim his promised wife, Julia Dickerson, a native of Jessamine County, born near Nicholas- ville in 1813. After marriage he came back with his bride on horseback, and they passed the first few years of their wedded life in the village of Carlinville prior lo their removal to Honey Point Township, where Mr. Moore entered land from the Government. He erected thereon a log house that was the birthplace of all his children. It was built of hewn logs and was quite a commodious affair for those times, comprising five rooms. For a few years after taking up his residence here Mr. Moore worked at carpentering a part of the time and devoted the remainder to the devel- opment of his farm. He subsequently gave his entire attention to the care of the homestead, where he continued to live until his useful and honorable life was rounded out at a ripe age by his death. October 5, 1883. His wife, who had walked at his side nearly half a century preceded him in death the 494 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. same year, dying January 15. They reared a fam- ily of six children, namely: Ellen, Lorelta, Julia, Thomas E., Charles and Elizabeth. The parents were both prominent members of the Presbyterian Church. The Moores had been devoted adherents of that faith for many generations, and the father held strongly to it until the day of his dealh. He was Elder of the church of that denomination which he had joined when it was organized. He was a great worker in the Sunday-school also and was fur many years Superintendent of the branch school in Honey Point Township. Thomas Moore laid the foundation of his educa- tion in the schoolhouse that his- father erected on his own farm. There was no sawed timber used in the construction of the building, the timber be- ing hewed and the boards rived by hand. In 1867 our subject entered Blackburn University ; he there attended and taught alternately until he was grad- uated in 1877. In the meantime he studied law in the office of Judge William R. Welch and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1873. The year that he was graduated from the University he was invited to become Principal of the Preparatory Department of that institution, and for the ensuing six years he filled that position very acceptably, teaching con- stitutional and international jaw and logic, the lat- ter part of the time. In 1883 Prof. Moore severed his connection with the University and became Principal of Bunker Hill School. After filling his position two terms he went to Taylorville and took charge of the city schools for one year. He then engaged in die West- ern Publishing Company as traveling salesman, introducing educational apparatus into the schools of Maryland. Pennsylvania and Ohio, and he was thus employed some three years very successfully. In the fall of 1890 the citizens of Macoupin County elected him to his present office of County Super- intendent of Schools. His selection for this respon- sible position has proved to be a fortunate measure for the educational interests of this section of the State, as since he assumed its duties he has thrown his whole energies into his work and has made a careful stud}- of the requirements of the public schools under his charge, intrc Cueing new methods where needed and instituting many wise reforms. As a gentleman of culture, unblemished character and high personal standing the Professor is also an influence for much good in other directions, and we find his name associated with much that tends to strengthen and elevate the moral and social status of the community. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. Socially, he is a member of Bunker Hill Lodge, E. & A. M., and he is also connected with Orient Lodge. K.of P., of which he was a charter member. Prof. Moore was happily married April 24, 1875, to Miss Mary E. Handlin, a native of Chesterfield Township, this county, and a daughter of Clayborn and Adeline Handlin. They live in one of the many attractive homes of Carlinvillc and their pleasant household circle is completed by their seven children — Charles II., Thomas L.. Ruth Al- meida, Olive and Mildred. Addie and Julia arc deceased. A lithographic portrait of Prof. Moore accom- panies this sketch. rffiSi ICERO J. SOLOMON, a prominent and (l( ^, prosperous farmer of Bird Township, makes ^i^' his home on section 3. I lis father. James Solomon, was born in North Carolina, and his mother, Easter Lamar, was a native of Tennessee. After marriage they settled in Macoupin County, making their home in North Palmyra Township. Thence they removed to Montgomery County, this State and resided for four years, but made their final home in Bird Township where the father died Au- gust 29, 1881. He had been bereaved of his faith- ful and devoted wife September 7, 1852, while liv- ing in North Palmyra Township. Three children had blest the union of James and Easter Solomon. They were James who died when quite young; Cicero J. and Serena C. This daughter is the wife of William A. Wright. The subject of this sketch first saw the light of life in North Palmyra Township, October 3, 1848. He was about six years old when his father removed to Montgomery County, ami with the exception of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 495 the four years that they resided there Macoupin County bus been his home to the present time. Here he grew to manhood and was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Kesinger, a daughter of the late John and Eliza (Adams) Kesinger. The mother of Mrs. Solomon died November 20, 1878, and her father departed life December G, L890. They were the parents of nine children, their daughter Harriet being third in order of birth. She was born in Bird Township, February 4, 1854. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon was sol- emnized February 25, 1872. They became the parents of six beautiful children, all but one of whom have outlived their early childhood. The surviving children are named Edgar J., Addie E., Eliza A., James, and Jennie I. Mr. Solomon owns the old homestead whicli his father occupied, a line tract of two hundred and eighty broad and pro- ductive acres. He also owned seventy-two acres in another section. The fine farm buildings and hand- some residence were erected by his father and he keeps them in lirst-class condition. He has always followed agriculture and made some little specialty of stock-raising. He has served his district as High- way Commissioner and School Director and his political affiliations are with the Republican party. His worthy and intelligent companion is an active and influential member of the Baptist Church and they both occupy a high position in the social life of the township. Our subject has been a member of the Masonic order since he was twenty -one years of age, holding membership in Lodge No. 76, at Carlinville. . «x-x> . W AMES WALKER, a man of mure than ordi- nary enterprise and ability, stands among the foremost of the enlightened and prog- ressive farmers and stock-raisers of tnis county, who have been instrumental in raising it to its present high position as a great and rich agri- cultural centre. He has an extensive and well-ap- pointed farm in Scottville Township, which is considered one of the finest stock farms in this part of the State. Mr. Walker is a native-born citizen of this State, his birth taking place November 4, 18:53, in the pi- oncer home of his parents in Mt. Era Township, Greene County, half a mile northeast of the town of Athens. John Walker, his father, was a native of Nelson County, Ky., born there January 15, L804. He was a son of Joseph Walker, who was born in Maryland and was a descendant of one of three brothers who came from Scotland to this country in Colonial times. The grandfather of our subject was a pioneer of Nelson County, Ky., where he bought a tract of land in the primeval forest three miles from the present site of Bards- town. He evolved a good farm from the wilder- ness and made his home upon it until his demise. The maiden name of his wife was Coons. The father of our subject was reared and married in his native county and dwelt there until 1821). In that year he became a pioneer of this State, com- ing here with his wife and the two children that had been born to them in their old home. He was the fortunate possessor of a horse, which, with his household goods, constituted all his wealth. He hired transportation for his family and belongings and came here on horseback. He located on a tract of wild land eight miles east of Jacksonville, Morgan County, and for two years lived in the house that he built on the place. At the expira- tion of that time he sold that property and bought one hundred and twenty acres of Government land in Mt. Era Township. He built a log house on the place, riving the boards to cover the roof and split- ting puncheon for the floor, and in that dwelling his son, of whom we write, was born. The sur- rounding country bore but little indication of its present development, as the inhabitants were few and had made but little headway against the forces of nature in redeeming it from its primeval state. There were no railways for years and the settlers had to go to Alton and St. Louis to market their produce and obtain supplies. At one time Mr. Walker took three loads of wheat to St. Louis and sold his grain at thirty-seven and one half cents a bushel. The people lived principally on the pro- ducts of the farm and wild game, which was very plentiful. They were also clad in homespun made by the women. The mother of our subject was ex- I pert in carding, spinning and weaving and her deft 406 PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. hands made all the cloth used in the family. None but the most primitive machinery was in use and the grain, which was cut with a sickle or cradle, was tramped out by horses or oxen instead of being threshed. Mr. Walker resided on his homestead in Greene County until 1866, when he disposed of his prop- erty in that section and removed to Woodson County, Kan. He was dissatisfied t, when having reached his majority he concluded that it was time to set up a home of his own. He therefore entered the state of matrimony and settled near his father's homestead where he lived for two years, and then purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 21 and 22. He made his home on the latter section and has ever since been a resident there. Mr. Loveless now has six hundred acres in his farm, and he has erected a very fine set of buildings which add greatly, not only to the beauty but to the practical utility of his estate. He lias always given his attention to his business, and has studied thoroughly the practical workings of farming and stock raising. His marriage in Bird Township, December 14, 1854, united him with Miss Elmira Comer, a daughter of Aaron and Levina (Bell) Comer. Mr. Comer was a native of Virginia, and Mrs. Comer of Knox County, Tenn., being both of Southern blood. The} - came to Macoupin County, 111., in 1844, making their home in Bird Township. Mrs. Loveless was bereaved of her mother November 14, 1873, but her father is still living at a very advanced age. Of their nine children, Mrs. Loveless was the third in order of age, and she was born in Knox County, Tenn., July 24, 1837. Seven children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Loveless. They have all (except one who died in infancy) grown to years of maturity, and have proved themselves not only the joy and com- fort of their parents but of value in the community. Aaron B. married Miss A. Duckels and resides in Chesterfield Township; Angeline is the wife of H. W, Combs, of Carlinville; Arthur W. married Miss May Clark of Brushy Mound Township; Milo J. is a teacher in Bird Township; and Jennie L. and Hattie E., are at home with their parents. Bird Township has had the benefit of the public services of Mr. Loveless, as he has been Supervisor for three terms and ever takes an active part in public matters, lie is interested deeply in political movements and is a stanch Republican. He is a Deacon in the Baptist Church, with which he and his lovely Christian wife have long been connected. Two <>f his brothers J. II. and Hugh P., have also made their mark upon the history of this township. He is a public-spirited man and one of strong convictions of right and wrong, a true and loyal friend and a man of sterling char- acter in every direction. The family of our sub- ject abundantly rewards him for the efforts he has made to educate and bring them forward in the world. PAVID M. KITZMILLER. manager of the lum- ber business of J. W. Kitzmiller. at Medora, is one of the younger business men of the county who are doing much to increase its facilities and add to its financial standing. He was horn at Girard, February 10, 1862, and is a son of Martin V. and Mary (Crouch) Kitzmiller. The reader is referred to the biographical sketch of his father for the ancestral history. Our subject grew to manhood in the place of his nativity and acquired a good education in the home school, receiving a diploma after completing the course of study. After he had attained his majority Mr. Kitz- miller went to Whitehall and worked in a lumber yard of F. F. Worcester four years. He then came to Medora and took charge of the lumber business that had previously been established by his brother. He is looking carefully after the interests of the yard and manages the business efficiently and honorably, so that his dealings with all are of a nature to gain their good will and ensure an in- crease of trade. Mr. Kitzmiller belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and easts his vote with the Republican parly. He has served as Village Clerk and was efficient in office, being orderly in his keeping of records and careful in his inscriptions. Mr. Kitzmiller has a pleasant home, presided over by an intelligent and estimable woman who became his wife June 23, 1887. She was known 506 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in her maidenhood as Miss Luella J. Vaughan. The union has been blest by the birth of a son, who was named Frederick Fulton in honor of the father's employer at Whitehall. -w 4£*& <— ylLLIAM EMMERSON. We are gratified to find in Macoupin County, a number of British-American citizens, who have brought with them from the'r native island the stanch and sturdy character of the industrious Englishman and have grafted upon their original capabilities the breadth and liberality characteristic of the Prairie State. Among such is the gentle- man whose name appears at the head of this sketch, and who was born in Yorkshire, England, May 21, 1822. John Emmerson, who is the father of William, died when forty-six years old in his native home in Yorkshire, in the year 1835, and was followed to the other world two years later by his faithful wife who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Oliver and who was a native of the same shire. Farm duties engaged the attention of the subject of this sketch during his first fourteen years and he was then ap- prenticed to the trade of a wagon and cabinet- maker. Being then an orphan by the death of his father he was bound out for seven years to his mas- ter, and after the expiration of that time he worked at his trade for about six years at Hull. While living in Hull the young man, who was now doing well at his trade, decided to establish a home of his own and took to himself a wife in the person of Miss Elizabeth Hill. Their wedding day was March 17, 1844 and the father of the bride was Robert Hill, a Yorkshire man, who spent his days in his native home. Mrs. Emmerson, who was born in Norton, Yorkshire, England, March 9, 18 22, lost ber mother at an early age. In May, 1850 Mr. Emmerson, then having a wife and two children, came with them to America, landing in (Quebec. He did not remain long in Canada, but came on at once to the Prairie State, settling in Greene County, where for seven years he was useful in the community, by following the trade of wagon-maker and carpenter. In those early days a man with such acquisitions as his found abundant opportunity for work and was greatly in demand. After a residence of seven years in Greene County he came in 1857 to Macoupin County, making his home in Virden, where for seventeen years he carried on the business of wagon-making and blacksmithing. The year after his settlement in Virden be pur- chased forty acres in Virden Township, which he has carried on in connection with his work in the village and finally gave up his trade and devoted himself entirely to his land. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land, upon which he has placed first-class improvements, among which are a pleasant home, commodious barns and convenient outbuildings, such as are necessary to the successful prosecution of farming. A view of the homestead is shown elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Emmerson aie the parents of two children, namely: John who married Miss Martha I'tt, and resides in Virden Township, and Mary Ann, who is the wife of John J. Cox, and makes her home in Virden. The parents are both earnest and consistent members of the Wesleyan Metho- dist Church with which the father has been con- nected since he was a young man of seventeen years. He takes an intelligent view of American politics, in which he is deeply interested, and to his mind the declarations of the Republican party an- nounce the doctrines which must be for the benefit and progress of the nation and for the best good of the citizens as a whole. He is a well-read man and one who keeps himself in touch with the popu- lar movements of the day. -fcSBsj' n a farm in this township; Thomas, who aids his father at home: Henry and Otto F. who live at home, and one o died young. Mr. and Mrs. Gosch were , under the Lutheran religion and still incline to that faith. Mr. Gosch and sons are stanch Re- publicans in politics. — ■ •°*-*l~HI 4 i *g) \T?OHN F. JOHNSSEN. Among the success- ful farmers of Staunton Township, there is probably none who is regarded more warmly by his fellow residents as a genial, whole- hearted and kindly neighbor then the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this paragraph. He resides on section 23, his land, one hundred and five acres, on sections 22 and 23, which lies ail in one body, is all under the plow. Besides this, he owns fourteen acres of good timber land in this township. This farm was formerly owned by the father of our subject, who came into possession of it when the boy was about nine years old. and it has now been his own property since 1883. Here he wss reared and educated, but his nativity was in AKon, 111., February 27, 1858. He is the third child of Fred Johnssen, who was born and reared in Prussia, Germany. He became a farmer in his native country, which lie left when a single man of about thirty years, to emigrate to the New World. He sailed from Bremen and landing in New York, came to Alton, this State, and resided there for six years. He then returned to the Old Country to secure as his bride the lady whose maiden was Eke Ross. Her parentage and training had been in Prussia. After they returned to America Mr. and Mrs. Fred Johnssen lived in Madison County for some lime and then came to Macoupin County and pur- chased their fiisi. farm, which is now owned by our subject. Here they lived, making it their home and putting upon it some good farm buildings, and here the husband and father died in August, 1886, having reached the age of sixty-eight years. He was a man of excellent reputation for integrity and industry and a thorough-going farmer. Both he and his excellent wife were faithful and earnest members of the Lutheran Church, and his political convictions led him to affiliate with the Democratic party. His widow who is yet living, makes her home witli her son John, and is now sixty-one years of age. She has had six children, but the three youngest have been called to a better world. Lizzie and Frances, both married, with our subject, represent the family. The marriage of John Johnssen in Staunton, to Miss Katie Herring February 26, 1883, united him with a companion who has been a helpmate indeed. She was born in Hesse Darmstadt, December 25, I860, and is a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Engleter) Herring, natives of the same German Province, where they grew up as weavers. Mr. Herring was an overseer of a cloth factory and was for some time a successful manager, as well as a skilled workman in that line of business. They resided in their native home until after marriage and the birth of all their children, and then, in 1881, decided to come to America and on doing so, settled in Staunton, this county, where they are now living. They are still stout, and active, although they have passed the limit of three-score years and ten, They are people of true Christian ilBRARY OF THE UNtVF"" PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 515 character and devout members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Johnssen was a young woman when her parents caine to the United States and Macoupin County has been her only home in this country. Five children came to share the parental affection and cares of Mr. and Mrs. Johnssen, one of whom. William, has passed to the other world. Those who are now living are Louisa, George, John and Clara. These children are being reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, to the doctrine and service of which their parents are attached. The platform of the Democratic party embodies the political doc- trines, to which Mr. Johnssen gives his cordial con- sent. ffiOHN M. BRONAUGH. No citizen of Virden is more worthy of respect than this gentleman, whose portrait is presented among those of other prominent citizens. He was formerly connected with the business in- terests of this city, and accumulated sufficient wealth to enable him to retire from an active life and enjoy his income at his leisure. He was born October 22, 1814 amid the pleasant scenery of Spottsylvania County, Va. His father, who bore the name of George Bronaugh, was a native of the same Slate, and there passed b\$ early life. In due time he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Sarah Martin, a Virginian by birth, and a daughter of John Martin. Her father was a life- long resident of the Old Dominion, while her mother spent her last years in Kentucky with her children. In 1818 the father of our subject removed to Kentucky, taking his family and all household goods with teams. He settled in Jessamine County six miles east of Nicholasville, where he bought a tract of land lying in the forests. After erecting a log-house, he actively entered upon the work of evolving a farm from the wilderness. At that time timber was almost valueless except for building purposes, as there was no market for it, and large logs were rolled together and burned that to-day would bring a good sum of money. Mr, Bron* augh resided on his homestead until his death in 1832, when his community lost a good citizen, who had been a help in its upbuilding. His widow survived him many years, her death finally occur- ring at Danville. Ky. in 1865, at a venerable age. Slie reared five children, Lucy A., John M., James II., Eliza J. and Addison. John M. Bronaugh was a child of four years when his parents went to Kentucky, and he grew to man's estate amid the wild scenes of Jessamine County. There were then no free schools, as they were all conducted on the subscription plan, each family paying according to the number of scholars Sent. Our subject early became helpful in the farm labors, and he continued to assist at home, until he attained his majority, when he left the shelter of the parental roof. In 1835 he too be- came a pioneer, coming to Illinois to cast in his lot with the early settlers that had preceded him in Greene County, making the journey to his destina- tion on horseback. He had 11,000 in cash, which gave him a good start in his adopted Stale. He invested in a tract of fifty acres of improved land in South Richwoods Township, six miles from Car- rollion. He established a tanyard, which he oper- ated t.he ensuing five years, and at the expiration of that time he sold and bought other land, upon which he farmed seven years. At the end of that time he engaged in a new venture, going into the mercantile business at Woodville. There were no railways at that time in that part of the country, and all his goods were transported from Columbiana, Alton, or St. Louis with teams. In 1855, in the spring of the year, Mr. Bronaugh came to Virden to engage in the grain business, which he abandoned in 1868 to turn his attention to farming on a large tract of land that he pur- chased in Lafayette County, Mo. Two years later he gave that place to his sons, and returning to Virden, resumed the grain business. lie conducted is until 1889, when he surrendered it to bis son Perry, and retired altogether from business. Din- ing his active life he became well-to-do, and is num- bered among the solid men of this city who have been so potent in bringing about its financial pros- perity, and have in various ways sought to enhance its welfare materially, morally, and socially. He is 516 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. a man of high religious principles, who in all his dealings has been straightforward and honorable, and has always kept the right in view. For many years he was a member of the Baptist Church, but since the death of his wife he has connected him- self with the Christian Church, which finds in him a useful member and a generous supporter. In his political sentiments he is a a downright Democrat, though in early life he was a Whig. Mr. Bronaugh was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Poindexter in 1837. She was a native of Jessamine County, Ky.. and a daughter of Thomas and Maxie (Wood) Poindexter. She died in 1882, leaving behind her the blessed memory of a thor- oughly good woman, who was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a kind neighbor. She was a sincere Christian, and for many years a valued member of the Baptist Church. Three children were born to our subject and his wife: Perry S., who married Mary Burke, and has eight children : James A., who married Amelia Bronaugh, and resides in Kentucky, and Maxie, wife of J. P. Henderson, of the Yiiden Bank. - ■ 3- fif/OHN II. 1IANSIIAW, of the firm of D. W. Rhoads & Co., proprietors of the Palmyra Flouring Mills, was born in Botetourt County, Va., May 24, 1812. He is the eld- est son of Flisha and Mary (Yandegrift) Hanshaw, and a grandson of Benjamin Hanshaw. who was born in Maryland, reared in Virginia, and made that his home until he came in his last years to end his days with his children in Illinois. Our subject follows the same business as did his father before him, as Elisha Hanshaw was a miller and followed that business both in Virginia and in Illinois, to which he came in 1847 with his wife and four children. He came West by team to the Ohio River, thence on that stream and the Missis- sippi River to St. Louis, where again he took team and journeyed across the prairies to Auburn, San gamon County, III. Here for a while he engaged in farming, but soon took charge of a mill at Hart's Prairie, Morgan County, and afterward operated one east of Auburn which wag known as Crow's Mill. In 1856 he, with his brother and Mr. A. C. Farmer, erected a flouring mill at Palmyra which betook charge of until 1865, when he went to Chesterfield and managed a mill there until he retired from business and made his home in Pal- myra and afterward in Auburn where he passed away from earth in 1879. Mary S. Vandegrift was the maiden name of the lady who became the mother of our subject. Her parents, John and Barbara ( Wineman) Vandegrift were natives, as was she, of Botetourt County, Va. Our subject »as five years old when he was brought by his parents to Illinois. He attended school in his early days and was also busily employed upon the farm. He resided with his parents until twenty-one years of age and then began life for himself on a rented farm. Two years later he purchased sixty acres in South Palmyra Township, After selling this he bought fifty acres in North Palmyra Township, two and one-fourth miles from the village, and resided there until 1875, when he ! sold that and purchased with Ins brother a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in South Palmyra Township, and October 1 of that year he removed to that place where he resided until 1888. In 1890 he purchased a one-half interest in the flouring mill and has since devoted his time to carrying it on. The lady who became Mrs. John H. Hanshaw in 1869 is a native of North Palmyra Township. Her name was Martha A. Young, and she is a daughter of John H. and Nancy S. Young. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hanshaw are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church and they find in its work a broad field for influence and effort. Mr. Hanshaw is a Republican in his political views but cannot be counted in any sense a politician. ARION II. WESTROPE, a farmer residing in Scottville Township upon the farm where he was Dorn, June 20, 1851, is a son of one of the oldest and most hardy pioneers of the early days of Macoupin County. His father was probably one of the very oldest of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 517 the surviving settlers of Illinois, and was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1805, and died .Tunc 11. 1891. The grandfather of our subject was a native of North Carolina and moved from there to Ken- tucky with his relative Daniel Boone, thus be- coming one of the renowned pioneers of Kentucky. He left that State about the year 1803 and removed to Ohio, becoming one of the first settlers in Cham- paign County. He took up Government land and cleared quite an extensive tract. Indians were then abundant and sometimes troublesome. In consequence of this state of affairs he returned to Kentucky after about six years' residence in Ohio and made his home in that Southern State until January, 1818. At that time many Kentuckians were emigrating to Illinois which was then a terri- tory , and he came with them and located nine miles from Vincennes. He resided there for a few years and then went to Morgan County, where he died in 1825. The father of our subject was a lad of thirteen when he came to Illinois with his parents and a young man of twenty when he lost his father. He remained in Morgan County until 1847 when lie removed to Scottville Township and bought the farm where his son now lives. The maiden name of his wife was Sallie Hays. She was a native of Kentucky and died on the home farm in 1889. The parents of our subject had seven children. Marion Wcstrope received his earl}' training and education in his native township and with the ex- ception of one year he has always resided in the homestead. He was married October 15, 1874, to Ellen Amos, who lived in Brighton, lids county. She did not live long after her marriage as she died in 1878. His second marriage occurred in 1884 when lie was united with Mrs. Martha (Sharp) Buck. She was born in Morgan County, 111., and was the daughter of Hezekiah and Sarah (Hall) Sharp and at the time of her marriage with our subject was the widow of Joseph M. Buck. She bad one child, Stella, by her marriage with Mr. Buck, and she has presented Mr. Westrope with three children, John B.. Earl B. and Wesley W. Both Mr. and Mrs. Westrope are earnest and de- voted members of the Christian Church in which they find a broad field of activity and where their influence and labors are warmly appreciated. Tbe political views which are embodied in the declara- tions of the Democratic party are such as to satisfy the mind of Mr. Westrope and he casts his vote for the candidates of that party, believing it is best adapted to the safe conduct of public affairs. -J- # <^p*HOMAS J. CARROLL, who is conducting a grocery business in company with D. A. Turk, the firm being known as Carroll & Turk, has been identified with the upbuilding of Bunker Hill since 1860, and especially has he been prominent in business circles. He came to this city from Alton, 111., where he had spent the winter of 1859-60, locating there on his emigration from England to America. He was born in Middlewich, England, October 5, 1853, and is of Irish descent, his parents, William and Margaret (Sherlock) Car- roll, being natives of the Emerald Isle. However during childhood they went to England, were Har- ried in that country aud there resided for some years, the father dying in that country at the age of twenty-six years, or in January, 1854. Mrs. Carroll afterward became the wife of Anthony Duffy, in 1858, and the following year they and her two children sailed from Liverpool to New York. From the Eastern metropolis they continued their journey to Alton, III., and subsequently c.une to Macoupin Count}'. Mr. and Mrs. Duffy are now residents of Gillespie, where he is engaged in busi- ness as a coal miner. Our subject is the younger of two children born to his parents. The other son, John, died after coming to this country. Thomas was educated in the public schools of this community and when he had attained to mature years he chose as a help- mate on life's journey Miss Fannie Mahoney, a native of the Keystone State, born in 1856. When a child she was brought by her parents to Bunker Hill, and her father, Dennie Mahoney, now makes his home with Mrs. Carroll at the age ot sixty-seven years. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Regan, died in 1878, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll began 518 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. their domestic life in Bunker Hill and their home has been brightened and blessed by the presence of two interesting children, Mary E. and John C. They are members of the Catholic Church and in politics Mr. Carroll is a Democrat. As before stated our subject has been promi- nently connected with the business interests of Bunker Hill for many years. For three years he occupied the position of inspector of coal mines and for six years did business on his own account in the operation of a coal mine. During the admin- istration of President Cleveland he held the office of Postmaster and proved a capable and faithful official but on the change of administration he was succeeded by a Republican. He is one of the lead- ing members of the Building and Loan Associa- tion, being a charter member. Mr. Carroll has ever manifested a commendable interest in all that pertains to the upbuilding of the community and the promotion of such enterprises as are calculated to advance the general welfare. In manner he is pleasant and companionable and thereby has won many friends. ^OHN C. LOEHR, of the firm of J. C. Loehr & Son, dry-goods merchants at Carlinville is one of the successful business men of this wSs/7 county. He was born in the village of Bruchmachtersen, in the Dutchy of Brunswick. Germany, December 3, 1826. Christopher Loehr, his father, was a native of the same village, as was also his father who was a farmer and spent his en- tire life there. He was a Lutheran in his religious faith. The father of our subject was reared to the life of a farmer and always followed that calling in his native place. He married Dorothea Koch who was born in the German village of Lebenstedt and died at Bruchmachtersen. She was the mother of six children — John G, Charles, Dorothea, Christian, Christina and Sophia. John and Charles are the only ones of the family that came to this country, and the latter resides on a farm in this county. From the time he was six years old until he was fourteen our subject attended school regularly and obtained an excellent education. After leaving school lie was employed on his father's farm until lie attained his majority. He then joined the army in accordance with the laws of his native land and served a part of each year for four years and the rest of the time worked on the farm. He continued a resident of his native village until 1852 when he determined to come to the United States, where he wisely thought he could find more opportunities to obtain a competence than in the old country. He set sail from Bremen, April 19, and landed at New Orleans the 13th of the following June, with less than one hundred dollars in his pocket with which to begin life in anew land. He went directly to St. Louis by the Mississippi River, and soon engaged as a farm hand eight miles out of the city at $6 a month. He was so employed one winter and then was taken sick and returned to St. Louis, where he lay ill two months. After that he found work in the city at $7 a month, and nine months later secured employment in a flouring-mill at *7 a week. He proved himself a faithful and compe- tent assistant and was soon promoted to be sales- man, at a much more liberal salary. He retained that position until 1857, and in that year came to Carlinville to engage in the dry-goods business with W. H. Stemmeyer. They conducted business together three years and then our subject bought out his partner's interest in the concern and was alone until 1864, when he admitted William Schutze into partnership. At the end of ten \ears he bought Mr. Schutze's interest and was by him- self until his son, Adolph T., became his partner in 1886, under the firm name of J. C. Loehr & Son. This is one of the oldest established business houses in the city, and the trade that has been built up by degrees as the city has increased in size during these many years is very profitable, as it is well managed, and our subject is accounted one of the solid men of the count}'. Mr. Loehr is happy in his domestic relations, as by his marriage, June 1, 1857, with Miss Friedricke Knabner, a native of Germany, he has secured a wife who has been truly a companion and helpmate. She is a daughter of George Knabner who was horn and reared in Germany and came to this country PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 519 in 1854 and settled in Carlinvillc. Mr. and Mrs' Loelir have seven children, namely: Paulina, wife of William Surman; Adolph P., Theodore, Guslave II.. Matilda. Theresa, and Ida. The family are active members of the Lutheran Church and are greatly esteemed in the community. e LAI'S THODE. The name above is that of a general farmer and dairyman, living on section 30 of Dorchester Township, where he owns one hundred acres of good land, most of which is under the plow. Mr. Thode has erected good buildings upon his place and ever}- outhouse is in excellent order. He has lived on and owned the farm where he at present resides since 1879, since which time he has made most of the improve- ments to be found thereon. Our subject's advent into this county was made in 1866. He began work as a farm laborer in Dor- chester Township, and two years later his prudence and eeonomj- enabled him to purchase a tract of land and begin work for himself and later he bought all of what comprises his present farm. He is a native of Schleswig, Germany, being there horn August 10, 1845. He is the son of John Thode, who lived in his native province now be- longing to Prussia. Our subject was brought by his parents to this country when but one year old. He with his sister, now Mrs. Thomas Gosch, of whom a biographical sketch may be found in another part of this volume, were the only two children born to their parents. The mother whose maiden name was Celia Casper, after the death of her first husband, John Coda, was a second time married to Mr. Casper Esper, a native of the same province that she herself wa,,. After the birth of their only child, Terena, who died while young, Mr. and Mrs. Esper came to the United States one year later than our subject who left Germany in the fall of 1866 taking passage from Hamburg. He came over on a steamer named "Titania" and landed in New York City in No- vember of 1866. Mr. Esper and wife landed in this country in the spring of 1868 and the hus- band died some few years later at the age of fifty- six years. His wife is yet living and makes her home with her daughter. Mrs. Thomas Gosch. She has reached the good old age of seventy-one j r ears. Shu and her two husbands were members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject was married in Bunker Hill to Miss Charlotta Wohlert who was born in Holstein in 1847. She was reared in her native province where her parents lived and died. Mrs. Thode, the wife of our subject, after attaining womanhood, came to the United Slates in 1868 and settled at Hunker Hill having come hither alone. She is a hard-working woman and one of true worth to her husband. She has been the mother of nine chil- dren, one of whom is dead. The deceased child was named Emma and she passed away at the age of three years. The living children are: John, Henry, Louis, German, Mary, Louisa, William and Albert, all of whom still make their home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Thode and family are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Thode is independent Republican. ; -s=e=r-i — sH « AMUEL J. BROWN. (7F^\ ' liK ""JN. me owner ot the ^%^. well-cultivated farm of seventy-six acres, \ff_Aj located on section 26, South Otter Town- ship, is a native of Tennessee, his birth- having occurred in Giles County of that State, June 29, 1849. At the earl}' age of nine years he came with his parents to Macoupin County, where they settled upon a farm. He remained under his father's roof until he had attained twenty-flve years of age, his early life being passed chiefly on the farm. Several years after he had finished school he taught. Mr. Brown was united in marriage in Bird Township to Miss Thersa J. Sells. Their marriage took place October 22, 1874. The lady is a daugh- ter of Michael and Sarah A. (Brown) Sells, the lat- ter is a sister of the wife of H. S. Loveless and also of the wife of Samuel Comer of Bird Township. 520 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mrs. Thersa J. Brown was a native of the township and county wherein she was married. May 26, 1856, being her natal day. Seven children came to grace the home of the affectionate parents who reared them with all pos- sible affection. The children are Minnie E., James M., Walter E., Oliver A., Hattie M., Thersa A., Milton S. and a babe unnamed. Soon after the marriage of our subject and his wife they settled in South Otter Township, which has been their place of residence ever since. Fanning has been the chief occupation in Mr. Brown's experience. The father of our subject was John M. Brown. His mother was Elizabeth M. Smith. The former was a native of North Carolina, and the latter of South Carolina. They came to Macoupin County in 1858, the father passing away from this life June 14. 1890. Our subject was one of twelve child- ren and was the sixth in order of birth. In pol- itics, Mr. Brown identified himself with the Re- publican party, its tenets and theories appealing to his intelligence more strongly than those of any other party. He has been appointed to sev- eral local offices, and has filled the position of School Director most satisfactorily for several years. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Baptist Church, being a generous supporter and upholder of the same. ylLLIAM II. WHITFIELD, one of the thrifty farmers and stock-raisers of the township of Gillespie, whose land is on section 27, owns a fine farm of one hundred and fift3" acres, which is all highly improved and has upon it good buildings and fine stock. He has another one hundred and sixty acres on sections 15 and 22, of this township, all of which is in a fine condition, as he keeps his land under cultivation. Mr. Whitfield came onto his present farm in 1865, but came to the county as long ago as 1847, since which lime he has been engaged successfully in farming. He came to Illinois from the South, being a native of North Carolina where he was born September 10, 1832, of Southern parentage, his father, Travers W. Whitfield, being a native of North Carolina, who there grew up and became a farmer. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Stephen, a native of Virginia who was reared on the line be- tween that State and North Carolina. After mar- riage the young couple came to Tennessee about the year 1833, and in 1847 they brought their household to Illinois, landing in Alton, whence they came to Chesterfield Township, Macoupin County, where they spent many years. The family finally removed to Lincoln, Logan County, this State, where the husband and father died when over fifty years old. He was a fine man, wide-.-! wake to public interests and espoused the cause of the Democratic party but was not a seeker for office. His widow still survives him and now being eighty-two years old, makes her home in Republic County, Kan. She is feeble from the weight of her many years, but is still in- terested in both family and church affairs, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her two sons and four daughters are living, of whom William is the eldest. Our subject became of age after moving into this county and here he has married his wife and reared his children. His wife's maiden name was Moning Clark and she was born iu this township, on her father's old homestead on section 20. For a full history of ber family- the reader is referred to the sketch of Randall Clark. This lady was en- tirely reared and educated in this township and is well known as a woman of ability and both she and her husband are prominent in social and church circles. The subject of this sketch is a Republican in his political views and has been placed by his fellow- citizens in several offices of trust and responsibil- ity. He and his excellent wife are the parents of four children, namely: William M., who look to wife Mary Schnieder, and lives on a farm in Gil- lespie Township; James L., who is married to Clara Coffee and is also farming in this township; Thom- as, who married Cora Vanata and lives on the home farm; Henrietta, the eldest child, is the wife of Theodore Meyer of the mercantile firm of Meyer PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 521 Bios., Dorchester. This family is one of the solid and substantial families of Macoupin County and worthy of the respect which is given them by their neighbors. UILLIAM D. REDER. lumber merchant in Chesterfield, was born in this county No- ^"^ vember 7, 1848, and is the youngest child of Paschal L. and Margaret (Rafferty) Reder. His parents were natives of Tennessee and Kentucky respectively, and each came to this State early in the '30s, accompanying their respective parents. The pioneers, Jeptha Reder and James Rafferty, improved farms and aided much in bringing this section under subjection and in opening the way for the work which is now being carried on by their descendants and those of other equally hard- working and courageous frontiersmen. They spent their remaining days here and died full of years and honors. The parents of our subject were united in mar- riage and settled on a farm in Western Mound Township. The father became the owner of a large amount of land, a portion of which he en- tered from the Government. His career was cut short by death in 1866, while he was visiting old acquaintances at Dallas, Ter. His wife survived him many years, dying at Chesterfield in 1889. They had ten children, six of whom grew to ma- turity. These are Elizabeth, wife of A. B. Peebles; Nanc}- J., wife of John Hageman; Martha E., widow of George Orr; James K., George W.. and William D. The last named was reared amid the surroundings of rural life and received the ma- jor part of his education in the district school, but had the added opportunities afforded in Carlin- ville. October 7, 1879, Mr. Reder was married to Lucy J. Albin, daughter of William D. and Margaret Albin. The bride was born in Western Mound, where her parents settled in 1860, coming hither from Virginia. They resided there until 1887, then removed to Henry County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Reder have had three children, but their first- born was removed from them by death. Their living sons are Elmer I). and George W. After his marriage Mr. Reder located on a farm in Polk Township and remained there until March, 1889. He was the owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he sold in 1891. The year that be abandoned farming he established his pres- ent business and now has the only lumber yard in Chesterfield. Mr. Reder keeps on hand a good supply of rough and dressed lumber, making a specialty of mater- ial suitable for the best building purposes, and is making very satisfactory progress as a dealer. He gives his attention earnestly to the business before him, and at the same lime keeps himself well in- formed regarding general news of the day and the movements in which the people are interested. While he was a resident of Polk Township he held several offices of public trust, among them being Town Clerk, Collector, Supervisor and Justice of the Peace. In politics he is a Democrat. He be- longs to the United Baptist Church, is an earnest believer, and tries to govern his life by correct principles. *S^—- HOMAS VANORSDAL. The fact that a man has been a Union soldier is sutlicicent to give him the respect and gratitude of every American citizen, and when to this recom- mendation is added a knowledge of an industrious and upright life, he is still more worth}' of regard. Under such circumstances is Thomas Vanoredal placed, he having served in the ranks of his coun- try's defenders during the Civil War, and having since been actively engaged in farming in Bird Township, and joining with her citizens in good works. His farm is on section 16, and consists of one hundred broad and fertile acres, well improved and well stocked. Madison and Lucinda (Burford) Vanorsdal, the parents of our subject, emigrated from Kentucky to this State in an early day and made their first settlement in Greene County. They afterward came to this county and established their home in Bird Township, where the wife and mother died 522 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. about 1875. Tliey had six daughters and four sons, and the subject of this notice was the third on the family roll. He was born in Greene County January 30, 1843, but the greater number of his early years were spent in this count}', which he has continued to make his home. When in his twentieth year young Vanorsdal en- listed, being enrolled in Company A, One Hun- dred and Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, August 9, 1862. He served until the close of the war and did what he could to maintain the Union, cheer- fully enduring the hardships of a soldier's life and displaying manly' courage in times of danger. He took part in the engagements at Perkin's Cross- roads, Town Creek, Nashville, Ft. Blakely, etc. When the war was over he was mustered out, and returning to his old home turned his attention to farming, exchanging the implements of warfare for those of his peaceful calling. In South Palmyra Township, this county, Sep- tember 1, 1868, the marriage rites between Thomas Vanorsdal and Martha Regan were solemnized. The bride was born in Barr Township. March 4, 1847, and was the youngest of eight surviving children of Joshua and Jane (Huskey) Regan, who came from Tennessee to this county many years ago. Her parents are now deceased. Her happy union has been blest by the birth of seven chil- dren, who are named respectively: Alberta, Elroy, Rose. Walter, Horace, Grace and Emma. The eldest daughter was married November 6, 1890, to Edgar Bates. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vanorsdal be- long to the Baptist Church, and their standing in the community is assured. \|7 EANDER S. THACKER. The good influ- I (?S) ence of any family in a community is /l v -^v, greatly increased by its prolonged residence therein. Generation after generation of honorable living and thorough, enterprising work brings a cumulative force to bear which emphasizes every good point in the character and life work of a family. Illinois has been so young a State as to have little of this wealth of influence, but in Macoupin County we occasionally find a family homestead which has been occupied for two gener- ations and there we are sure to discern the effects of such occupancy. This is the case at the Thacker homestead, which is now occupied by the gentle- man whose name appears at the head of this sketch. Z. Thacker, the honored father of our subject, is more fully sketched on another page of this Recohd. His son Leander is a native of Macoupin County, having been born near Palmyra, March 21, 1849. He was four years old when his father removed to Nilwood Township, where he received his early training and education, taking full advan- tage of the district school instruction, after which in 1870 he entered Shurtleff College. Our subject grew to manhood in Nilwood Township and since his fourth year has made it his home, with the exception of two years which he spent in Franklin County, Kan., where he went in 1881. He has always followed agricultural pur suits and now owns the old homestead, which consists of three hundred and twenty broad and productive acres, which bear upon their surface an attractive home and neat and convenient build- ings for the accommodation of the farm work and stock. The married life of Mr. Thacker began February 10, 1875, with his marriage to Miss Mary J. Crane at her home in Nilwood Township. She made him an affectionate and helpful wife during the short time which was given them together and she died at their home September 1, 1879. One child blessed their union, to whom they gave the name of James O., but. he too was soon taken away from the home, being called hence when two and one- half years old. The second marital union of this gentleman took place February 17, 1881, at the home of the bride in Montgomery County, 111. The lady who then became Mrs. Thacker was Miss Edna A. Thompson, who was born in Dowagiac, Cass County, Mich., July 10, 1856. They have had three children. His daughter, Amy E., lived to be seven years old and was then taken from him. Those living are Leroy H. and a babe named Walter Clyde. In this quiet home harmony prevails and the lives of its occupants i'BRARY Of THE WNIVEW5ITV V IIN KELSEY, deceased, was born in York- shire, England, January 12, 1821, and was a son of John ami Mary (Atkinson) Kelsey. His parents were also natives of the same county, where they were married, and after the birth of their children they emigrated with their family to America, in 1834, crossing the Atlantic in the sailing vessel "Hull," which after a long and tedious voyage safely landed in New York, whence they came to Illinois, locating in Madison Count)-, near Edwardsville. After there improving a farm, Mr. Kelsey sold out and in 1854 purchased a tract of unimproved land in Brighton Township, Macou- pin County, which he developed and improved, making it his home until his death. His wife has also passed away. They were prominent people of this community, members of the Church of Eng- land, and many friends mourned their loss. The subject of this sketch was a lad of only ten summers when by nis parents he was brought to America. After spending a few years in Madison County, III., he came to this county and on attain- ing liis majority began life for himself, engaging in agricultural pursuits, the occupation to which he had been reared. He was very successful in his business undertakings, ami his landed possessions at the time of his death aggregated more than one thousand acres, the greater part of which was under a high stale of cultivation and well im- proved. He gave his personal supervision to the Inc. mess, and being a man of industrious habits, energy and enterprise, he met with excellent suc- cess. He possessed more than ordinary business ability, and was far-sighted and sagacious, and his g 1 judgment led him to invest his capital in lands which rose in value as time passed on and the country became more thickly populated. At length, having acquired a handsome property, he re- SOlved to lay aside business cares, and on the 17th of April. 1883, left the farm and removed to Brigh- ton. Mi-. Kelsey was united in marriage in Brightoi Township with Miss Sarah E. Evans, who was there born July 19, 1843, and is a daughter of John Evans, a native of New York, who in an early day emigrated to this county. Incoming one of its pio- neers. His wife, whose maiden name was Mercy Loveland, was born in Rhode Island in 1 824, and with her parents came to the West in a very early day. She was a lady of influence, who figured prominently in social circles and won many friends. Of the Methodist Church she was a faithful mem- ber, iind -In- died in that faith on the 16th of Janu- ary, 1873. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey were born six chil- dren, but Nellie A. and Leroy both died in child- hood. Mercy M. is now the wife of Frank Moore, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 527 who operates a part of the old homestead ; Mary Alice is the wife of Harry M. Eldredge, and they reside in Brighton with Mrs. Kelsey; John II. and James R. also make their home with the mother. The children were all well educated, and have he- come useful men and women who do honor to their name. On removing to Brighton, Mr. Kelsey provided a most pleasant and commodious home for himself and family, and there surrounded with all the corn- forts of life, he lived until called to his final rest on the 9th of November, 1888. lie was a good citi- zen, a faithful and tender husband and father, and many friends shared with the family in their loss. Mrs. Kelsey still resides in the beautiful home in Brighton, left her by her husband. She devotes her time to the interests of her family and friends and to the work of the Methodist Church, in which she is a leading and consistent member. Of her means she gives liberally to ail worthy enter- prises, the poor and needy find in her a friend, and man}' have reason to bless her for her bounty. I ^ANIEL II. COMBES, a farmer of intelli- gence and standing, residing in Hilyard >• Township, has a fine set of farm buildings and a well-improved tract of land on sec- tion 10, and here he carries on successfully, gen- eral farming ami the raising of line stock. This land be has been in possession of since 18(18, and on it he has made his home since 1861), when he came from Jersey County. His birth was near Jersey ville, November 4, 1 848, and his father, Daniel II. Combes, Sr., was born in Trenton, N. J., and was a son of Isaac Combes, who lived and died in that State, having followed an honored career as a citizen and tradesman. Daniel II. Combes, Sr., became an undertaker by trade and followed ibis line of work until he came to Illinois, in 1S47, after which he improved a good farm and gave to each and all of his children a helpful start in life. He died at the home of his only daughter on the old homestead when nearly eighty years of age. His early political prefer- ances were for the principles of the Whig party and he afterward became a Republican. He was for many years connected with the Baptist Church. The mairiage of the father of our subject in Trenton, N. J., united him with Mary R. Sun- derland, a native of that State. She was one of a large family and a representative Of an old New Jersey family. Together they lived and labored to build up a home, in which they attained good success. Our subject is the youngest of four chil- dren, who came to this harmonious home, bis sis- ter and one brother, yet surviving. He of whom we write received his education in his native county and having reached the age of maturity decided to establish a home of his own. The lady whom he chose as his life partner was Abigail Longstatf, who was born in Shipman Town- ship. She was reared by her parents in Brighton, her father, Richard Lougstaff, being a native of England, and her mother, Maria Bradley, being also from the British Islands. Their marriage did not take place, however, until after they had both come to this country, as they met in Macoupin County, and were there united. They spent the re- mainder of their days here, dying in Brighton, having neither of them reached old age. Mrs. Combes is a woman of unusual refinement and ability and is one whose strength and sweet- ness win to her many permanent friends. Her ac- tivities in charitable and church work place her in 'the front rank, and her intelligence and education tit her to be what she is — a reader of thought. Both she and Mr. Combes are members of the Pres- byterian Church and in his polities be is attached to the Republican party. They have one child — Isaac, who makes his home with his parents. KN.IAMIN E. PARKER. Our subject belongs to a family that is widely known /£) I and greatly respected throughout this county. He resides on a good farm located on section '.I, Shipman Township. His parents wen- Joel and Mirian (llaycroft) Parker. The former 528 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. died in Shiprnan Township, November 28, 1843. His mother afterward became the wife of Henry .lolly, she still survives and a sketch of her life may be found in that of Oliver C. Forwood, in another part of this volume. Benjamin E. Parker is one of seven children that were the fruit of the marriage of his parents. He was born in Shiprnan Township. October 9, 1839, where he grew to man- hood and lias always resided. Mr. Parker has always followed agricultural pur- suits and his experience being wiile and D i ^ intelli- gence keen he has made of his calling a decided success, lie was married in Shiprnan Township, January 27, 1864, to Miss Margaret. A. Cain, a daughter of the late Abraham P. Cain, who was a native of Grayson County. Ky., where he was born about the year 1814. His wife was Ni y Downs. She also was horn in the same coiinl.\ of which her husband was a native, September 2, 1828. They married and settled in Grayson County and thence came to ,K rx\ County. III., where they lived for several years, and then came to Macoupin County, settling in Shiprnan Township in I860, where the father died January l, 1881. They bad eleven chil- dren whose names are as follows: .Margaret A., John T., Sarah C, Israel T.. Mary E., James W. ami Hardin. The eldest daughter is the wife of our subject; John married Mary E. Morgan; Israel T. was united to Ella Jolly ; Mary E. became the wife of R. A. Love; Hardin was united in marriage with Lillie Miller. Mrs. Benjamin E. Parker was born in Grayson County. Ky., March 3, 1845. In her social inter- course she is distinguished for her geniality and hospitality for which Kentnckians are so noted. Our subject and his wife are the parents of two children, Leonora, who is the wife of J. G. Mon- tague, and Kittie I... who presides over the home of Llian O. I lay ward. Mr. Parker is a Prohibitionist in principle and politics and has held many positions awarded not so much for party allegiance as for capability and judgment. Delias been Highway Commissioner for ten years and School Director for many years. He and his estimable wife are members of the Baptist Church at Medora, of which body he has been Clerk for many years. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also the Fanners' Mutual Benefit Association. He has erected a good series of buildings upon his farm and has made with its valuable improvements a truly enviable home upon his tract of one hundred and eighty acres. | ENRY C. DUCKELS is numbered among the practical and enterprising young fanners and stock -raisers who have within recent years stepped to the front to assist in carrying forward the great agricultural interests of this their native county and is successfully managing the Loper farm in Western Mound Township, lie was born in Chesterfield Township December 2, 1855, a son of Richard and Elizabeth Duckels, pioneers of that township, of whom a Sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. The early life of our subject was spent much as that of other farmers' sons, in attendance at school, and in assisting in the labors of the farm, thus ac- quiring a good insight into the best methods of carrying on agriculture, which he has applied suc- cessfully since he began his career as an indepen- dent farmer. .Mr. Duckels resided with his parents until his marriage and then settled on a farm in Western Mound Township. He was busily engaged in tilling its soil the ensuing three years, and at the expira- tion of that time removed to Chesterfield and de- voted himself to the mercantile business there one year. His next enterprise was to engage in the manufacture of Hour at Medora, where he operated a mill one year. After that he purchased a farm in Chesterfield Township, and taking up his resi- dence on it, was actively employed in its cultivation and improvement for some time. Under his care its one hundred and twenty acres of rich soil yielded good harvests and a comfortable income. In 18.SG Mr. Duckels removed to the Loper homestead, the estate of his late father-in-law, Adrian W. Loper. in Western Mound Township, and has charge of the farm, which under his able management is kept up to the same fine condition PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 529 that it had attained during the life-time of Mr. Loper. Our subject carries on his work in an orderly manner, after the most approved system of agriculture, and has won an assured position among the successful inch of Ins calling in his native county. Mr. Duckels was married in l«77 to Miss Ophelia Loper, ami in her lie lias hail the encouragement and assistance of a true wife, 'she is also a native of the county, born in Western Mound Township, anil a daughter of the late Adrian W. and Susan Loper. of whom an account appears elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Duckels have four children, whom they have named Thomas W., Gertrude, Reynold and William Khlen. \AJ .II.LIAM F. QCHT MANN, now deceased, f was born in Hanover, Germany, in August, 1821, and died at his home in Cahokia Township on the fith of March, 1877, respected by all who knew him. He was for many years one of the prominent German citizens of the commu- nity ami an enterprising farmer. In the usual manner of farmer lads his boyhood days were Spent, and when he had attained to mature years he resolved to seek his fortune in the New World. At the age of twenty-four he bade good-by to his native land and sailed for America, landing in New York, whence he came to Louisville. Ky., work- ing in the vicinity of that city for- some time as a farm laborer. On coming In Illinois in an earlv day, he located in Mt. Olive, Macoupin County. Much of the land was still owned by the Government, and being unimproved, he de- cided to obtain a portion of it and make a home fur himself. To this end he secured a tract on section 36, Cahokia Township, where he ever after- ward resided, and at his death he had a valuable trail nf land of two hundred and forty acres, all under a high state of cultivation and equipped with all the improvements necessary to the model farm of the nineteenth century. Not a furrow had been turned when he came into possession of the land and all tin- work done upon it has been the labor of his own hands. He alway> kepi his farm well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs, and the ncal appearance of the place was excellent evidence of his thrift and enterprise. As a helpmate on life's journey Mr. Ichtmann chose Miss Minnie Grosscnhider, their marriage being celebrated near Mt. Olive. She was born in Prussia, Germany, July 15, 1836, and is a daugh- ter of William and Catherine (Searf) Grossen- hider. Htr father died in Germany at the age of forty-nine years. He followed farming for a live- lihood. His widow afterward came to this coon try and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. (Jchtmann, at the ripe old age of seventy-two years. In their family were nine children, all of whom came to this country, while seven are yet living. Mrs. (Jchtma the fourth in order of birth, was nineteen years old whim, with a brother, she came to the United states, sailing from Bremen to New Orleans, and thenci ing up the Mis- sissippi River to st. Louis and Macoupin County, where two years later she was married. By their union were born ten children, but only Ave are now living — Fritz, who married Lena Neilbouseand re- sides upon a pari, of the home farm; Minnie C, Anna L. S., Matilda W. and Edward F. A. who are still living with their mother. Henry died at the age of eleven years; Ida and Herman were both six years of age at the time of their deaths; John also died in childhood, and another died in in- fancy. Mr. [Jchtmann came to this country to make a home and the United states had no truer citizen; he lived with an eye single to the interests of the township and county, and his labors were felt ill the community for good. An honest, upright man, be won the respect of all who knew him and had many warm friends who shared with the fam- ily in their loss. Ho was a member of the Luth- eran Church, to the rapport of which he gave lib- erally, and in politics was a Republican, having held some local offices, the duties of which he ever faithfully discharged. His industrious and enter- prising habits enabled him to leave his family in comfortable circumstances. Since her husband's death Mrs. Ucbtmann has managed the home farm 5 10 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and displays much business and executive ability in so doing. She and all of the children are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church and the family is fa vnia hly known throughout the community. F^ AMUEL W. STUTZMAN. The family to which our subject belongs is supposed to have come originally from Switzerland, that country which is noted among the na- tions as being one of the olde t existing Republics and as our wliosc people were as a nnii so deter- mined to have freedom that they dared death on every occasion rather than submit to .Austrian supremacy'. Our subject's father was Daniel W. Stnt/.inin. who was bom in Montgomery Counts', Ohio. March 28, 1811. [laving passed through the early pioneer experience the old gentleman would doubtless be surprised could he see the beau- tiful farm located on section 8, Nilwood Township. that his sou owns at present. The father of Daniel W. Stutzman, or our sub- ject's grandfather, was Samuel Stutzman, who was born in Pennsylvania, lie removed at an early date with his parents from Pennsylvania to Ohio, where he settled in Montgomery County. From there he removed to Elkhart County, [nd., where be died in the spring of 1861. Our subject's mother was Hannah Wineland. She was united in marriage to Daniel Stutzman in Montgomery County, and with him at once removed to Elk- hart County, Ind., when she died; ber husband then came to Macoupin County in about the year 1867, and located wist of Virden, where he died in January, 1883. The gentleman of whom we write was one of eight children, the family comprising respectively six sons and two daughters, (if these children our subject was the eldest: lie was born i:: Elkhart County. Ind.. dune 3, 1835. where he remained until he reached manhood, there engaged in work on his father's farm. In 1859 he removed to Montgomery, County, where he met his fate in the shape of Miss Barbara Vaniman. with whom he was united in marriage September 5, 1861. The lady is a native of Montgomery County, be- ing there born March 8, 1840. Her parents were Jacob and Mary (Bowman) Vaniman, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio. After marriage they settled in Montgomery County, and there lived until their death. They were con- sistent members in good standing of the German Baptist Church, as were also the members of our subject's family. Soon after our subject's marriage he and his wife settled on the old homestead of the bride's father, Jacob Vaniman, in Montgomery County. There they lived until March. 1871. when they removed to .Macoupin County, and settled in Nilwood Township. They here acquired one hun- dred and seventy-five acres which is all well im- proved. Earlier in life our subject was engaged in carpenter work but the greater part of his ex- perience has been in agricultural pursuits. Mi. and Mrs. Stutzman are the parents of eight children. They are: Aaron II., Laura I)., Jesse E., John D. ami Jonathan P. (twins); George A., Harvey D. and Mary P. of these, the eldest son is a resident in the State of Washington. Laura 1). i~ the wife of W. W. McGhee. Jesse K. is a resi- dent of the State of Washington. Before Mr. Stutz- man removed to this state his position in society as a man of ability was recognized and he was appointed School Director, in which capacity he setved for several years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stutzman are active workers in the German Baptist Church in which the former has been a Deacon for a long lime. lissom a g> <| WILLIAM III L YARD, a retired farmer re- \ / siding in liunker Mill, where lie located W in March, 1890, has been a resident of the county from boyhood, and is a representative of one of Pie pioneer families of the State. He was born in Sangamon County. 111.. August 30, 1823, and is a son of Judge John M. and Mary (Gray) Hilyard. His father, a native of West Virginia, was born in Campbell County January 30, 1798. and belonged to one of the early and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 53 1 respected families of tbe Old Dominion, lie- mar- ried Miss Gray, who was born on a farm near the Hilyard homestead, November 27. 1801. Their childhood was spent in the same neighborhood and after tlie liirtli of two children they started Westward, traveling overland with wagons and teams from Virginia to Illinois. They cam[>ed onl every night and after journeying some weeks halted at whnt i- now Waverly, 111., but mad.- a settle- ment in Sangamon County in the early part of 1823. They took np a claim, being the first white settlers in that part of the count] where they lo- cated. After eighl years they left Sangamon County and removed to .Macoupin County, where be Nad previously entered land, making .he first settlement in Hilyard Township, which was named in honor of the father of our subject. He en the land from the Government and -(cured the title from President Andrew Jackson. It was ated on section 22. and at first was entirely desti- tute of all improvements, l>ui with characteristic energy Mr. Hilyard began the development of a farm and year by ycai improved acn _ extended until at length be became owner of a valuable farm of 200 acres, one of the best in the township, which is now owned by bis son Samuel. The family bore the usual hard- hips and experi- en :es of pioneer life. Their first home was a rude log cabin, but in later years it was supplanted by i comfortable frame residence. Mr. Hilyard was a man of worth and ability, and soon became a prominent man in the county. He was one of the lirst teachers in the township and before the 'lay of public school- he established a small pri- vate school, where he taught his own and his neigh- bors' children, more for their good than for any financial benefit resulting therefrom. In politics lie was a stalwart supporter of Democratic prin- ciples, and in addition to the various township offices which he held, he served as Justice of the Peace for several y< ars and was a namber of times eiccted County Judge. His rulings were wise, his decisions unbiased, and he won favor with all. whether Democrat or Republican. For some > prior to his death he was an invalid. Both he and his wife were for a Ion/ lime members of tbe Reg- ular Baptist Church, but they afterward united with the Universalis! Church. Judge Hilyard died in this county in 1872, and his excellent wife was called to her final rest on the 23d of April, 1874. In their family were ten children. seven -on- and three daughters, of whom all are yet living with the exception of two sons. Mount Calvary died when sixteen years old ami John M. while in Mexico during the Mexican War. The subject of this sketch has since his eighth year resided in Macoupin County. In Hilyard Township he was reared to manhood, spending his lime amidst play and work in the usual manner of lad-, while- hi- education was acquired under the direction of his father as public schools of a.ny worth had not then been instituted. In 1845, in Hilyard Township, be was united in ma, i with Miss Mail ha Barnes, who was born near Springfield, III.. May 27. 1825, and is a daughter of William and Irena (Welton) Haines, who were natives of Connecticut and Vermont respectively. Thej were married in the Bast and most of their children were born prior to their emigration to Illinois, which occurred in 1824, Thee settled on forty acres of land, now lying within the cor| lion limits of Springfield. The capital city was then a mere hamlet and the while settlers were outnumbered by the Indians who oftentimes proved very troublesome. Twice they burned down the home of the l'.arnes family, and so. in 1827, his wife having died, Mr. Barnes determined to locate elsewhere. He went to Memphis. Tenn., but about 1835 returned to Illinois, taking up bis resi- dence in Madison Count}', whence after live years he came to Macoupin County, settling on a farm in Hilyard Township, where bis death occurred in 1845. He was born January 15, 1780, and had therefore reached the age of sixty-live years when he departed this life. He was an inflexible Demo- crat in political ienliment and both he and his wife upheld the faith of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Hilyard was the } oungest of the eight chil- dren born unto that worthy couple, and she grew to womanhood under the care of her father and elder Bister, for her mother died when -he was quite young. Ten children graced the union of Mr. Hilyard ami his wife, of whom four are now die, 532 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Three sons, Elias, John and William D., died in childhood; and Mary, wife of Adam Taggart, died leaving two children. The members of the fam- ily who still survive are: Eliza J., the wife of Achilles Morrison, who resides on a farm near Shipman; James P., who married E. J. Wood and is a resident farmer of Bunker Hill Township; Sarah, the wife of W.C.Barnes, who is a resi- dent farmer of Shipman Township; Lewis, who wedded Sarah L. Taggart and is engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in Bunker Hill Township; Wal- ter, who married Ida Moore and is living in Cham- paign County; and Mattie, who married A. R. Moore, a telegraph operator of Champaign County. Mr. and Mrs. Hilyard are worthy people, kind and obliging in manner, and their lives have been such as to merit the confidence and esteem of all with whom they have come in contact. In poli- ties he is a stalwart Democrat. Farming has been his life work and for many years he resided in Hilyard Township, where he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. The first land which he owned was raw and unbroken at the time of his purchase, but he developed therefrom a good farm and increased its boundaries until it com- prised one hundred and sixty acres. He also owns a one hundred and twenty acre tract and twenty acres of timber land. In March. 1890, he laid aside all business cares and removed to Bunker Hill, where he expects to spend the remainder of his days in his pleasant home, enjoying the com- forts and luxuries of life, which are the fruits of his toil. |OHN W. HANKINS, M. D., a well-known I and successful physician of Carlinville, was born at Burlington, N. J., November 20, 1820, and is a son of John Hankins, a na- tive of the same State, born at Princeton. The father of the latter, also named John Hankins, was likewise a native of New Jersey. His father, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Eng- land, and came to America in early Colonial times as an officer in the British Army. He married in New Jersey, and as far as known, spent his last years there. His son passed his entire life in the same State. The father of Dr. Hankins was educated at Prince- ton College, and when a young man commenced teaching, which vocation he followed until his death, which occurred in 1825. The maiden name of his wife was Hannah Ayers. She was born on a farm three miles from Princeton, and was a daugh- ter of Robert and Johanna Ayers. She survived her husband many years, departing this life at Car- linville in 1856, at a venerable age. She reared a family of eight children. The subject of this biography was but five years old when his father died, and three years later he went to reside with a farmer in Burlington Count)'. He assisted in the duties of the farm until he was fourteen years old, in the meantime taking advan- tage of all the opportunities afforded for obtaining an education, as he was very fond of books, and was an eager student. At the age mentioned 'he commenced to learn the trade of a shoemaker, at which he served seven years at Burlington, receiv- ing his board and clothes for his work. At the close of his apprenticeship he gave up the trade, and took charge of an estate as a gardener, in which position he remained two and one-half years, in the meantime studying medicine, to which he had turned his attention while an apprentice, giving to it all his spare time, as he had a decided taste for it. In June, 1844 he came to Illinois and settled in Carlinville, which at that time was a small place of about three hundred inhabitants, and the houses were nearly all of logs. There was then but one public road in the county, and that led from St. Louis to Springfield. The only house on the north for a distance of twenty miles was a stage station, and it was situated three fourths of a mile south- west of the present site of the town of Virden. The Doctor continued his studies here until 1846, and then commenced practice as an eclectic physician, and for a period of more than forty years he has been successfully administering to the ills of the people far and near. When he first established him- self here he had to make his trips on horseback, often traveling for miles through a wild, sparsely settled country. Wishing to further perfect him- 1IBRARV Of T«E - V? PORTRAIT AND RIOORAPHICAL RECORD. 535 self in medicine, in 18.52 and 1853 he attended a scries of lectures at Chicago, and in 1855 was grad- uated from a Philadelphia medical school. His place is among the highest members of ihe school of medicine that he represents, ami his treatment of disease in its various forms has secured him a fine practice. The marriage of Dr. Hankins with Elizabeth Mc- Ker, a native of Philadelphia, was solemnized in 1841, and for half a century they have faithfully shared life's joys and sorrows. Of this union there are live children living: Robert A., a physician; John, a mechanic; William C, an attorney; Charles C. a physician; and Leon C, an attorney. The Doctor is essentially a self-made man, hav- ing had to make his own way in Ihe world from his youth up, commencing life poor, and is now one of the wealthy men of Carlinville. He was unable li> attend medical lectures until he had accumulated sufficient money by his practice. lie has always put his whole heart into his profession with the suc- cess that is sure to follow such devotion to one's calling. His patients attribute his success to his skill and ability, but the Doctor frankly says their unbounded faith in him have more to do with it than any merit he may possess. Our subject has been elected by his fellow-towns- men to various offices of trust. He was a member Of the first City Council, and has also served as a member of the County Hoard of Supervisors. So- cially, he is identified with Macoupin Lodge, No. 107, !.().( ). F. lie was also a delegate to the Con- stitutional Convention of this State in 1869-70. OBERT W. HUDDLESTUN, formerly con nected with the agricultural interests of this county, now living in retirement at ^^) Carlinville, is a son of one of the early pio- neer families of this section of Illinois. He was born in Putnam County, Ind., November 1, L829. His father, John Huddlestun, was a Kcntuckian by birth, while the paternal grandfather was named either Daniel or Abraham Huddlestun, and was born either in Virginia or England of English par- ents. He was a pioneer of Kentucky, aid resided there many years ere his removal to Indiana, where he died. John Huddlestun was reared and married in Kentucky, Nancy Dunn, also a native of that State. Im ((lining bis wife. Her father, whose name was Robert Dunn, was of Irish bil'th, and coining to America in early manhood, he first settled among i In pioneers of Kentucky. He afterward removed to Indiana, and his life was brought to a close in that State. In 1828. the father of our subject, located in Indiana as a pioneer of Putnam County, where he lived two years. In 1830 he came to Illinois, the removal being made with teams. He took up his residence in what is now Gillespie Township, where he bought a tract of wild land, the family moving into the floorless log cabin that stood on the place. Entering a tract of Government land in Cahokia Township, Mr, Huddlestun erected upon it a hewed log house, which was considered a fine residence for those times. After residing there a few years, he sold that farm and bought a tract of land on section If. Brushy Mound Township, and there his life was terminated a few months later by his un- timely death. He won an honorable record as a pioneer, and was respected by all who knew him. Ilis widow survived him many years, and li nail y died at a ripe age at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mclinda Clark, in the same township. She reared these seven children — Samuel, Elizabeth, Melvina, Robert W. Melinda, Mary Ellen and Lydia J. On another page appears a portrait of the subject of this life review, who was reared in a pioneer home, and was early taught to lead a life of useful- ness. He was very young when his father died, and when his brother married, the care of the farm soon devolved on the youthful shoulders of our subject, who proved equal to the occasion, and successfully managed it. until he was lured to California to seek a quicker way of making a fortune in the gold fields of that Slate, going thither in 1850. He stalled from his old home March 2li. with a party of twelve, traveling with eleven yoke of oxen to three wagons, and going the entire distance across the plains and mountains to the Pacific Coast in that manner, arriving at Weaver Creek, their des- 536 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tinalion, September 5. Our subject and bis com- panions had thus journeyed a distance of over two thousand miles over an almost trackless, uninhab- ited region, there being scarcely a while settler be- yond St. Joseph on the plains, that were known as the ''Great American Desert." Indians were some- times encountered, deer and wild game frequently crossed the path of our travelers, and buffaloes were seen in great .numbers. For a little more than a year, Mr. Iluddleshm engaged in prospecting and mining in the Golden State, and then tiring of the wild, rough life of mining camps, he turned his face homeward, and came back to Illinois by way of the Isthmus of Panama, lie very quietly resumed farming with his brother-in-law, and before his mar- riage in 1853 bought a home in Honey Point Town- ship, lie soon traded that place for land in Brushy Mound Township, on which stood a small frame house 10x16 feet, and in that humble abode he and his young bride commenced their happy wedded life. He resided there until 1889, and then went to Kansas, and remained in Bourbon County four months. Returning to Brushy Mound Township, in February, the same month he bought a pleasant iiomc at Carlinville, and has ever since been a res- ident of this city. Mr. Huddlestun and Miss Eli/.a A. McPherron were married in 1853, and to them have been born thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, all deceased except Amos E., Ada Lou. Addic F. and James Clinton. Mr. and Mrs. Huddlestun arc mem- bers in high standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are people whom to know is to respect and esteem for their many excellent qualities of head and heart. Mrs. Huddlestun is a native of this State, her birthplace in Greene County, and the date of her birth. April 3, 1835. Her father. Amos McPherron, was born at Knoxville.Tenn.. in 17116. He grew to manhood in his native State, and was there married to Miss Hettie Morris, who was also a native of Tennessee. Her father, Will- iam Morris, came from there to Illinois in an early day of its settlement, and spent his last years in Greene County. In 1828 Mrs. Huddlestun's father came to this State, and was one of the early pio- neers of Greene County. He located eight miles east of Carroll ton on the south side of Spring Prairie and there improved a good farm, on which he made his home until his long and useful life was closed by death July 6. 1888. EACON C. V. A. QUICK, now retired from active business as a farmer, lives in a pleasant home in the northeastern part of the city of Bunker Hill. Here he has lived since the fall of 1880, when he removed from his farm near Dor- chester to this place. His line farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres was, when he left it, in a high state of cultivation, but when he took it in 1851 it was all raw prairie. He brought it into excellent condition, supplied it with good buildings and fences and it is now considered one of the best farms in the neighborhood. Our subject was born in Somerset County, N.J., April 16, 1825, and was the son of Jacob, the son of James who was born in Holland and emigrated to America prior to the Revolutionary War, with a colony of his co-patriots. It was in Somerset County that James Quick lived and died, having at the time of his death, reached the goodly age of three-score years and fifteen. He was a farmer and came from the sturdy old Dutch stock who helped to make the early history of New Jersey. His wife was also from Holland and she lived to the age of seventy-eight years. They were prom- inent and esteemed members of what was then known as the Dutch Reformed Church more recently called the Reformed Church. Jacob Quick, the father of our subject was one of the older children of a large family, and while growing to manhood acquired a knowledge of weaving. He never followed it as a specialty, but took up farming instead. He was a noble-minded man of pure habits and an upright Christian char- acter and a friend to a large circle of people in Somerset Count}'. He had been a life-long Demo- crat in politics. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine VanArsdale, spent her entire life and died in Somerset County, where she passed away at the age of eighty-nine years. She was possessed PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 537 of a good and noble character and was highly esteemed as a member of the Reformer! Church. Her parents, Christopher and Catherine VanArs- llale were natives of Holland and bad come to this country when young people. After their marriage they spent their lives on a farm except as Mr. Van Arsdale was absent while serving as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. They died at the good old age of eighty and eighty two years respect- ively. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of a fam- ily of eight children, who all lived to be married and establish homes of their own. All but one arc now living. This boy was reared in his native county and in early life learned and followed the trade of a carpenter. When quite a young man be came West to Jersey County, 111., in the spring of 1849, coming over what was known as the canal and river route from New Jersey. He was mar- ried in Jersey County, to Mrs. Susan Randolph nee Staats, who was born in our subject's native county, and who had come when quite young to Greene County, III., and later became a resident of Jersey County. In 1851 they removed to Macoupin County and afterward to Bunker Hill. Here she was called away to the better land July 28, 1883, at the age of fifty-nine years, hav- ing been born October 16, 1824. She had come of Dutch and French ancestry. She was a consis- tent and devout member of the Presbyterian Church and was possessed of true womanly char- acteristics. She was the mother of three children. The only child of her union with Mr. Quick, a son William, died in infancy. Her two children by her marriage with Mr. Randolph still survive: Etta, the wife of Henry Hoagland, of Lincoln, Neb., and John, a farmer, lives in Ililyard Town- ship. The second marriage of Deacon Quick took place in theeity of Hunker Hill, October 15, 1884. This wife bore the maiden name of Margaret K. Harlan. She was born in Gillespie Township, this county, November 26, 1834. She was reared and educated within the borders of the county and spent some flfteen years in Edwardsville, where she completed her education. She is the daughter of George and Margaret (King) Harlan, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. Her parents were married in Kentucky shortly before their coming to Illinois in 1831. They entered a large tract of Govern- ment land in Gillespie Township, and began life as pioneers. They improved their farm and made a comfortable home and there died, Mr. Harlan in 1851 at the age of seventy-live years and Mrs. Harlan in 1842, while still in middle life. Their religious belief was in accord with the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Harlan's politi- cal views were with the Whig party. The mother of Mrs. Margaret Quick was Mr. Harlan's third wife, and this daughter was one of the youngest of her mother's children. Mr. and Mrs. Quick are active members of the Congregational Church in which Mr. Quick has been a Deacon for many years, and where he has been a member ever since he came to Macoupin County. He is a Republican in politics, and a man who is highly intelligent in regard to matters of public interest. ENRY O. MEENEN. The owner of the fine farm on section 29, Gillespie Town- ship, is one of the many farmers who has S3!) made a success of agricultural life in this State, making the ground productive to the fullest possible extent. Mr. Meenen is a general farmer and stock-raiser and owns one hundred twenty acres of land, all under the plow, with first-class improvements and buildings. All the improv- ments were made by himself. The place has been his home since 1866, although he has eighty acres on section 28, of the same township, upon which he has a tenant. It also is Qnely improved. Mr. Meenen came to this county in 1857 after having lived for three years in Madison County, III. He began his life here as a poor man and struggled for his living, earning it by hard labor as a farmer for other people, and later renting land which he farmed for himself, making it pay for it- self and declare a dividend which he finally invest- ed in the land which is now his home. He is a native of that part of Germany known as the 538 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. province of Hanover, being born there in 1838. He is I he son of Otto and Antke (Thelan) Meencn, who were also natives of Hanover where they were small farmers. Mr. Meenen's father remained in German)' until his children were born. They were two in number of which our subject is the younger. In March, 1854. the little family of Meencns took passage from Bremen on a sailing vessel which bore a German name. They landed in New Orleans after a pleasant voyage of seven weeks and three days. Very soon tbey came to Alton, 111., and afterward the father and son worked in Madison County on various farms for some time. There the father died in 1857, he then being in the heyday of life. The wife and mother with her two children came on to Macoupin County and here she was for the second lime married to Fred Week and the couple afterward spent their last years in this county, both dying here. The mother of our subject and both her husbands were members of the Lutheran Church. Our sub- ject is the only member of the family now living, his sister having died here after marriage to Harm Marines. Her name was Anna. Her death was especially sad, in that she left a family of nine children. Mr. Meenen reached his majority after lie had come Macoupin County and here he has ever since lived. He was married at Alton to Miss Joanna Gronwold. She also was a native of Hanover in which province she was born July 20, 1837. being a daughter of Harm and Marguerite (Venting) Gronwold, natives of Hanover, who, after the birth of all their children, left their native shore and taking passage on a sailer in 1857, came to this country, landing in New Orleans. Thence they came to Illinois and after some years the father died at Litchfield. After his death the mother lived in Christian County, where she died December 25, 1890, at the age of eighty-eight years, she having been all her life a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Meenen, wife of the original of our sketch, lived with her parents helping them to make a living until her marriage. She is the mother of five children, three of whom are deceased. The deceased children are Henry, Harm and Antke. Those living are Otto, who took to wife Antke Hemken, a native of Germany, but reared in Montgomery County, this State; they live on the father's farm and are the parents of three children — Henry, (iaorge and Otto, Jr. The other living child is Marguerite, wife of Benjamin Schmidt; they live at Venice, the husband running a grocery at that place. Our subject, his wife and children arc members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Meenen has been honored by election to office several times in the township. He and his son are adherents of the Republican party. — -#wf^ -— E WILLIAM MINDRUP. Among the worthy citizens and thrifty German farmers of Staunton Township, we are pleased to men- tion the hard working and earnest young bachelor who enjoys single blessedness upon section 23, and who bears the name which appears at the head of this sketch. Since he was old enough to do farm work, he has been actively engaged as a farmer and stock-raiser, and he now owns a substantial farm of ninety-five acres on the section where lie resides, and adjoining it upon section 23, he has eighty acr?s. All of this land is well improved and excellently well stocked. Our subject, with his brother Henry, purchased this farm and settled upon it some years ago, and they have carried it on together since that time. He of whom we write is the elder of these two brothers, and was born in Madison County of this State in 1855, and received his early education and training in that county and in this. He came of German parentage, his father, Abraham, and mother Sopbia(Fischer) Mindrup, being born in the Father- land, where the} 7 grew to man's and woman's estate and while yet young and unmarried, came at the same time to the United States and settled in Madi- son County, 111. There they were married about a a year later and began life together upon a new farm which they had rented. They proceeded to improve it and lived there for about twelve years. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 539 They purchased the land which is now owned by oiii' .subject and his brother, and after the death of his wife which occurred in 1889, at the age of sixty years, he concluded to reside with his son. He is non sixty-three years old and is yet an active and capable man, and able to do much upon the farm. The departed mother was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, with which her husband and family are also connected. The father and sons are all active and earnest Republicans in their po litical views and vote. The subject of our sketch is the second child of the little household born to his parents and is now the eldest of the four who survive. Next in age to him comes Henry, who took to wife Sophia Frankc, and with her lives on the farm with his brother and father, and helps to operate it. The next younger is a sister, Dena, the wife of Henry Kruse, who lives on a farm in Staunton Township. Another sister, Sophia, has married William Kruse, and lives upon a farm in this township. This ex- cellent family has set an example of pluck, push and perseverance which may well be emulated b}' any young man who has determined to make for himself a place and a fortune in the West. ^j LI W. RICHIE has for many years been a resident of this county and during that time £i has won an honorable place for himself among its industrious and thrifty farmers, aiding in the development of the agricultural resources of I South Palmyra Township, where he has made for himself and family a comfortable home. His native place is Cabarrus County, N. C, and October •25. 1833, the date of his birth. His father was Jacob Richie, who is also supposed to have been born in that State. There he was reared to the life of a farmer, married and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Cabarrus County until his premature death in 183G, while yet in life's prime. His widow was thus left with seven children to care for. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Walker and she was a native of Cabarrus County. She did not long sur- vive her husband but died September 3, 1840. Our subject was thus left an orphan at the tender age of seven, and he lived with an elder brother some years. He grew to be a strong, self reliant lad, and at an early age he started in life for him- self by working on a farm by the month. When he was sixteen years old he went to Tennessee to live with a farmer in Washington County. The agreement was that he was to live with him until he was twenty-one, and in consideration for his services he was to receive his board and clothes, twelve months' schooling during that time, and a horse, saddle and bridle when he left him. The man did not clothe him and after a year of hard labor under this rough taskmaster our subject left him and found employment elsewhere at *8 a month. In 1853 he engaged with a man to drive a team from Tennessee to Illinois, and starting on his journey in the fall of that year he arrived at Girard after a month's travel. He found work there for a time, and then coming to Palmyra he was employed in the village by the job or month for a year and a half. At the expiration of that time he rented land and proceeded to put in a crop, and he then bought a quarter of a section of land in South Palmyra Township. After a two years' residence on that place he sold it and bought an- other in South Otter Township. Two years later he sold that property and the succeeding two years farmed as a renter. He next bought a tract of land in South Palmyra Township, upon which he resided until 1875 when he purchased his present home, which was formerly the property of his wife's fa- ther and is a well-equipped and finely cultivated farm. Mr. Richie has not been without the help of a good wife who has been an important factor in his prosperity, as he was married in 1855 to Miss Sarah Ross. They have eight children — Julia, dames, Robert, William, Franklin, Carrie, Milton and Morris. Mrs. Richie is a native of South Palmyra Township, of which her parents, Robert and Mary Ross, were pioneer settlers. Her father was a native of North Carolina and a son of Reuben Ross. The latter, who was a farmer came to Illinois in the earl} - years of its settlement, anil was one of the 540 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. original pioneers of Morgan County, where the rest of his life was passed. Mrs. Richie's father was four years old when his parents removed to Tennessee, and he came from there to Illinois in 1830. He settled first in Morgan County but sub- sequently came to this county and bought the farm on which our subject now lives. He immediately entered upon its improvement, building first a log house for the shelter of his family, and in that primitive dwelling Mrs. Richie was born. He car- ried on farming on his homestead until death closed his mortal career. Mrs. Richie was educated in the pioneer schools of the time and received a careful training in housekeeping, besides learning how to spin, weave and knit, so that she was per- fectly able to care for a house of her own when she married, and could make cloth for garments and other use. Mr. Richie is a shrewd, practical man, skillful in his calling, of a social, obliging disposition, and he stands well in his community. He is a respected member of the Scottville Lodge, A. F. & A. M., which he joined in 1SG4. In his political senti- ments he is a sturdy Democrat. . OOP - OHN BRANDENBURGER, who fur many years was connected with the business inter- ests of Bunker Hill, but, is now living a i^/'' retired life, is a native of Germany. He was born on the Rhine, November 16, 1826, and of the same locality his parents, Andrew and Cath- erine (Canel) Brandenburger, were natives. The mother died in Germany at the age of fifty-eight years, after which the father came to the United States and spent his last days in Belleville, III., dying at the age of sixty-eight years. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. He served for a lime in the Prussian regular army and made farming his life occupation. Our subject is the second in order of birth in a family of five children, numbering four sons and a daughter, all of whom lived to come to this country, while two brothers and a sister yet sur- vive. John grew to manhood in his native land and there learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he has followed to a considerable extent in his mature years. He worked as a journeyman until he came to this country. In the month of Novem- ber, 1851, he sailed from Havre, France, to New Orleans, where he landed on the 12th of December after a seven weeks' voyage. Coming up the Mis- sissippi River, he located in Belleville, 111., where an elder brother had settled three years before. A year later he removed to Mareno, Madison County, where he made his home until 1859, when he came to Bunker Hill and established a shoemaking shop, where he manufactured and mended boots and shoes. This busit.ess he carried on successfully until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he laid aside the last and awl and enrolled his name among the boys in blue, August 15, 1861. He was assigned to Company B, of the First Missouri ( avalry under Capl. Clinton and Col. Ellis, and with his regiment went to the South. They first nut the enemy on the 8th of January, 1862, at Silver Creek, where four hundred of the Uniou Cavalry successfully routed fourteen hundred Rebels, who were not only superior in numbers but were fortified by the banks of the creek. Moving on southward through Missouri another engagement occurred at Sugar Creek, where the First Cavalry acted as the advance guard of Gen, Ellis. The regiment was ordered to make a charge, which they did, silencing the rebel batter- ies. They met with a heavy loss but it gave the Union troops the advantage. Moving on to Pea Ridge, Ark., the rebels were again defeated after a three days' engagement and in April, 1863, the Battle of Neoscho occurred. Thence the troops marched to Prairie Grove where the First Cavalry suffered severely. The lighting was con- tinued at Little Rock on the 10th of September. when Price was defeated and the city taken under Gen. Banks. From thence the regiment went to Camden, Ark., where another victory for the Union arms occurred. After a little more than three years Mr. Brandenburger was honorably dis- charged in Little Rock. He saw some hard light- ing and proved himself a valiant soldier. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and his faithful- ness made hi in a favorite not only with his com- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 541 cades but with the officers as well. Early in the w:ir, while on skirmish duty and his command was meeting a charge down a steep decline on a gallop, one man and his horse fell into a ravine and a second shared the same fate; then came our sub- ject, who fared no better, and upon him tumbled the fourth horse and his rider. There they lay in a confused mass and the pommel of the saddle coming in contact with Mr. Brandenburger's ster- num, tlic bone was broken. The first man who fell lost his life and the second had his leg broken. With the exception of this accident our subject escaped all wounds, neither was he captured, but in several instances narrowly escaped. On receiving his discharge Mr. Brandenburger relumed to Illinois and again resumed work at his trade, but owing to ill health he was forced to abandon that work and began keeping a hotel, which he followed uotil he retired altogether from active business life. 1 1 is wife, who has proved to him a true helpmate, was formerly Miss Christena Finkc, an:l their wedding was celebrated in Madison County, December 2, 1854. The lady is a native of Germany and a daughter of Ignatius and Cath- erena (Ilenge) Finke, who were born in Hesse- Cassel. After the birth of their children, four in number, they emigrated to the United Stales, leav- ing their native land in 1852 and landing at Balti- more, Md., going thence to St. Louts and soon afterward to Madison County, where they located on a new farm which Mr. Finke cultivated and improved, he and his wife making it their home until death. The former died at the age of sixty- nine years and the latter in the eighty second year of her age. The}- were both members of the Ger- man Catholic Church and were worthy people. ; Their children are all yet living, are married ami with one exception live in Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburger have been born five children: Louisa, wife of Samuel Lee, whose sketch appears on another page of this work; Maggie, wife of .John Haneghan, a furniture dealer of Bunker Hill; Li Hie F., at home ; John, now a resident of St. Louis, and Minnie, who completes the family. In politics Mr. Brandenburger is a ■ Republican and keeps himself well informed con- cerning the issues of the day. Religiously he is a member of the Luthe an Chinch and his wife and children are members of the Catholic Church. He was one of the faithful soldiers during the late war and has since been a valued citizen of the commu- nity, where for a third of a eontury he' has made his home. -«■ — ,_^ KNUV R. STUTSMAN, a leading farmer of Girard Township, bis well-improved and well-managed homestead being on section MO was born on a farm three and one-half miles southeast of the town of Goshen, Elkhart County, 1ml., May 2, 1846. His father, Jacob Stutsman, was born in Montgomery County. Ohio, in Sep- tember, 1815, a sou of Samuel Stutsman, one of the pioneers of that section of the country, who was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and of German anteced- ents. He was reared and married in the Keystone State, and removed from there to Ohio in the early years of the settlement of Montgomery County. He purchased a tract of forest, built a shelter for his family, and in due time cleared a farm from the wilderness. In 1838 he removed from there to Elkhart Count}', Ind., where his remaining days were spent. The maiden name of his wife was Magdalena Ulcry. She was horn in Pennsylvania ami died in Elkhart County, Ind. .Jacob Stutsman wa> a youth of eighteen years when he went with his parents to their new home in the wilds of Indiana. lb' inherited a portion of his father's farm, bought other land adjoining, ami resided there until 1868, when lie came !o Macou- pin County. He bought two hundred ami eighty acres of land in Girard Township, including the farm now owned by our subject, and he was pros- perously engaged in agriculture until his death in 1871. His wife bore the maiden name of Han- nah Studebaker, ami she was born in Monlg cry County, Ohio, May 19, 1819. Her father was Ja- cob Studebaker, and he was a native of Pennsylva- nia. He was a son of David Studebaker, who is supposed to have been born in Lancaster County. Pa., of German parentage, lb' became a pioneer 542 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD W of Montgomery County, Ohio, in an early day. and there died in the fullness of time. .Jacob Studebaker, grandfather of our subject was a carpenter. In 1816, with his wife and the one child that had been born to them in their old home, lie went to Ohio and settled among the pio- neers of Montgomery County, where he bought a tract of land. When not engaged at his trade, be devoted his lime to the improvement of a farm. In 1830 he emigrated to Elkhart County, Ind., where the Indians pre dominated, as there were but few white settlers. He bought a piece of land two miles northwest of Goshen, on the Elkhart River. He improved the water power by building the first mill for the manufacture of lumber ever erected in that section of country. He did a gieat deal to- wards the upbuilding of that county in his capac- ity as a skillful carpenter, as it was he who erected the first Court House in Goshen, and many other buildings were the work of his hand. He resided in that locality until his demise. The maiden name of his first wife was Esther Leer, and she was a daughter of Jacob and Lydia Leer. She was bom in Pennsylvania, and died in Montgomery County, Ohio, her death occurring in February, 1827. The mother of our subject still makes her home on the old homestead with her son. Henry Stutsman grew to man's estate in his na- tive county. After marriage he purchased a farm east of Girard, but after living on it two years, he sold it, and bought a tract west of Giraid. He did not, however, settle upon that at once, but de- voted himself to the lumber business at Girard five years, and the following four years was connected with the creamery in the same village. He then located on the old homestead, where lie has since engaged in agricultural pursuits, carrying on his operations skillfully, industriously, and with good profit. He is an honest, upright man, kind and neighborly in his relations with his fellow-citizens, and none know him but to esteem him. lie and bis family are worthy members of the German Bap- tist Brethren Church. Mr. Stutsman was first married in 1868 to Miss Mary Miller. She was born in Elkhart County, Ind., and died at Girard in 1881, leaving six chil- dren — Ella, Emma, Charles, Asa A., Maude and Thomas. The second marriage of our subject was in 1883 to Miss Susie Frantz, a native of Clarke County, Ohio. Her father, Joseph Frantz, was born in Virginia, and removed from there to Ohio, locating in Clarke County, where he bought anil improved a farm, on which he spent the remainder of his life. The maiden name of his second wife, mother of Mrs. Stutsman, was Catherine Neher, She was born in Clarke County, and was a daugh- ter of Henry and Susan (Frantz) Neher, the latter a native of Virginia. Mrs. Stutsman's grandparents were early pioneers of Clarke County, Ohio. She was only three years old when her parents died, and she lived with her maternal grandparents until she was thirteen, when she vvent to live with an un- cle, with whom she came to Illinois when she was seventeen years of age. Her marriage with our subject has brought them three children — Fred, Verner and Sylvia P. o OBKRT K. ALDERSON, an extensive farmer of North Palmyra Township, is a 1 \ son of Robert Alderson, a Southerner by birth, whose nativity was either in Ken- tucky or Tennessee. His mother was Elizabeth Clack, and both parents died in Cherokee County, Kan. Of a family of fourteen children our subject is one of the younger members. He was born in North Otter Township, February 20, 1849. There he grew to manhood and continued to live until his marriage. The subject of this sketch was married in Carlinville, February 20, 1868, to Miss Luc3' A. Nevin, daughter of James Nevin. For the minutia of the history of this well-known fam- ily our readers will be pleased to turn to the bio- ographical sketch elsewhere of James Nevin. After marriage the young couple made their home first in Nortli Otter Township, but after several years removed to section 12, Nortli Palmyra Township, where they have since been residents. Mrs. Ald- erson is a native of this county and was born May 17, 1849. Mrs. and Mrs. Alderson are the parents of seven children: Minnie M., who married Edward Walk- UBHART Of TWE \i /6v: C.tAnJ. £A4I PORTRAIT AND RIOG RAPHICAL RECORD. 545 ington; Mina 11., Nettie A.. Mattie L.. Millie M.. Kelvin M. and Myrtle D. Five hundred anil thirty- five acres constitute the tract of land which is owned and managed 03- our subject. Agricultural pursuits have always engaged hi* exclusive atten- tion and he has made a success of farming. The comfortable and commodious set of farm buildings with which he has adorned his farm attest his thor- ough management and correspond well with the neat fences which there appear. Mr. Alderson has filled well the office of School Director and in that capacity has done much to elevate the standard of the public schools. His wife is an earnest and effleient member of the Christian Church and a woman of influence in the community. UILLIAM C. ANDERSON. Many beautiful farms may be seen by the traveler in Shaw's Point Township, but none more attractive than that of Mr. Anderson, on section 9. He owns about four hundred acres of land and also has four hundred acres in Smith Otter Township, all of which is carefully tilled and systematically managed. The dwelling is comfortable in appear- ance and gives evidence of the presence of an orderly and refined woman within. Among the farm buildings are such barns, granaries and sheds as the extent of the work carried on makes con- venient. This fine farm has been gained by the exercise of judicious management and unremitting toil on the part of the present owner, and he justly merits his position among the foremost agricultur- alists and stock- raisers of Macoupin County. The immediate progenitors of our subject are William D. and Elizabeth (Hancock) Anderson, natives of Kentucky. The father was reared in Wayne County, that State, and in 1828, accom- panied by his family, came to this State and located in Macoupin County. This was his home the most >f the time until his death, although for one year le sojourned in Sangamon County. The family oniprised eight children, of whom seven attained rO mature years. Our subject, who w r as the second in order of birth, was born in Carlinville, this county, August 21;. 1830, and therefore knows no home but this. He has been a witness of the many changes which have been made in the country, has watched with interest the springing up of towns, the hewing out of the wilderness and the improve- ment Of the soil. When he was fourteen years old our subject was orphaned by the death of his father, after which sad event he went to live with an uncle. Henry Edwards. There he grew to manhood, attending the pioneer schools of the district whenever oppor- tunity offered, and aiding in the farm work. At the age of nineteen years he utilized his thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits by working out on farms for others and continued thus em- ployed until he was twenty-six years old. After his marriage, which occurred about this time, he settled on section 9. Shaw's Point Township, where he lias since resided. He has devoted his attention both to general farming and stock-raising and, as he brings to his work an unusual degree of judg- ment and foresight, his efforts have naturally met with Battering success. He keeps abreast with all improvements in agriculture, has his estate sup- plied with the latest improved machinery, and good management is shown in all the details of farm work. For more than thirty years the pleasant home of Mr. Anderson has been presided over by a lady whose nobility of character and hospitality of dis- position have won for her a warm place among a large circle of acquaintances. Mrs. Anderson was born in Macoupin County, August 11, 1834 and bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Anderson. She is the sister of M. M. Anderson, of Carlinville, and her parents James C. and Ann Anderson wen- natives of Virginia and Kentucky, The happy wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson has been blest to them by the birth of six children, of whom we note the following: William T. died May 9, 1880, at the age of twenty-three years, leaving a wife Josephine (Leach) Anderson; Henry M. mar- ried Miss Lizzie Sharp and they have one daugh- ter; Sarah M. is now Mrs. William Leach; .1. C. ; David. P. and Mary C. died in infancy. In educational matters Mr. Anderson maintains a special interest and for many years has served as 546 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. = School Director of his district, .1 position which he ably fills. He has never been an office-seeker, but believes in Democracy, and supports the principles of that party with his ballot and influence. A public-spirited, generous man, his influence in the community is great, and his position among the leading citizens of this county has been gained through patient efforts in the interests of the great commonwealth to which lie gives his allegiance. In connection with this brief biographical notice, a lithographic portrait of Mr. Anderson is pre- sented to our readers. -^*S 'tS. I'DLEY SAINDKRS owns and occupies one of the fertile farms that have made Ma- D' coupin Count) notable as an agricultural district. The property consists of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 20 and 29, of Honey Point Township. The owner being now quite advanced in years, his youngest son has the active management of the property. Mr. Saunders was born in Caldwell County, Ky.. December 20, 1817. His grandfather, .hilius Saunders, was born in Virginia and was one of the first settlers in Fayette County, Ky., whence he removed to Trigg County, where he spent his lastyeais. .Jeremiah Saunders, father of our subject, was born in the Blue Grass State in Fayette County, and with the exception of two years in Clinton County, this State, spent his life in that in which he was born. He married Priscilla Ramey, whose death occurred in Trigg County, Ky. Our subject left the parental roof when seven- teen years old and came on horseback to this State. His entire wealth consisted of the horse he rode and the saddle upon the back of the animal. Reaching this county, he sought employment and found it with a blacksmith at $13 per month. When he married he began working land on shares, and having but one horse, the owner of the property furnished a team. Mr. Saunders made a success of agriculture, and being careful in his expenditures he was soon able to buy property. His first purchase was a tract on sections 19 and 30, Honey Point Township, for which he paid $2.50 per acre. There was a log cabin on the place and twenty-four acres had been cultivated. After occupying the farm two years he sold it at an advance of ¥200 and bought another tract in Brushy Mound Township, consist- ing of one hundred acres. He made further im- provements there and after two years sold at an advance of $200 and bought on section 32. Honey Point Township. He had clerred a few acres when a good opportunity arose for selling, and lie took advantage of it and then bought his present estate. In 1838 Mr. Saunders was married to Elizabeth Huddleston, a noble-hearted Kentucky lady, whose skill and affection were proved time and again, and had a potent influence in the advancement of the family. She understood how to card, spin and in her early married life made most of the cloth used in the family and dressed her children in homespun of her own manufacture. She was not unwilling to share the fortunes of the man whom she chose for her husband, even though they began life together with little but their strength of mind and heart and their mutual affec- tion as capital. She was rewarded by the esteem of those with whom she associated and the rever- ent affection of her family. She reared ten chil- dren, who are named respectively: Nancy A., Jobh, Sarah J., Margaret, Maria, Edgar, Fanny, Charles, Ada and Nettie. She was removed from earth in 1876. W. SWITZER. Among the virions busi- ness interests represented in Atwaler, is that of grain dealing, in which the subject of this sketch is engaged. Mr. Switzer was born in Lincoln, Logan County, November 17, 1859. His grandfather, Samuel Switzer, was a Pennsylvania farmer, and spent his entire life in his native State. His son, Samuel, father of our subject, was born in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and learned the trade of a car- penter, at which he worked in his native State until 1856. He then removed to the Mississippi Valley PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 547 and settled in Lincoln, which was then but a hum- let, while the siu rounding country was sparsely set- tled. The greater part of the land was still owned by the Government and was for sale at $1.2;") per acre. Mr. Switzer bought a home in Lincoln and followed his trade there until his decease, lie was twice married, his first wife being Mary A. Miller, a native of Mechanicsburg, Pa., who died in 1 8G3. The subject of this notice remained with his fa- ther until he was fourteen years old, and as his mother died during his childhood, his habits of life and thought were largely molded by his step- mother. At the age mentioned he began to care for himself, first finding employment on a farm where he worked until 1878. lie then began lay- ing tile, an occupation that he followed some four years, after which he began work in Bristow's mill at Girard. He was still working there when the mill was burned, in 1884, and he then resumed farming near Atwater. After two years of agricul- tural work, he bought a hay press, and for some months dealt in hay. but in June, 18S7, with W. W. Bristow as a partner he began buying grain, lie has continued in this business and he also buys and ships live stock, finding in these lines of trade more congenial employment than in some which he attempted. In November, 1881, Mr. Switzer was married to Miss Ella Barrick, who was born in Middlctown, Logan County, and is a well informed and agree- able lady. The pleasant home is made more at- tractive by the presence thereof a young son, Lau- rence, in whose increasing intelligence the parents take great delight. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer have a large circle of acquaintances, and as they are well informed and well bred, they are quite popular in I society. &mi> — - - AMES B. SEARCY. This young gentleman is numbered among the members of the legal fraternity located in Palmyra, and has en- tered upon his professional career in such a way as to give promise of becoming one of the prominent lawyers of this locality. He has been in I practice but a few years, yet is already doing well financially speaking, and becoming known as a young man of ability and sound knowledge of the law. lie was born on a farm in Boone County, Mo., August 15, 1858, and was an in fan I when his parents removed to New Mexico. When he was ten years old they made their home in this county. His early education was obtained in the district school and he advanced his knowledge by attend- ance at Blackburn University from which he was graduated in the Class of '83. He entered the Bloomington Law School and after studying there for a time continued his reading in the office of Rinaker & Rinaker in Carlinville. He was admit- ted to the bar in Ml, Vernon in 1885 and at once opened an office at Palmyra. Mr. Searcy was married in 18711 to Miss Anna E. Richie, who was born in this county in 185!) and was the daughter of Eli and Sarah Richie. The happy anticipations of the young couple were doomed to be unfulfilled, as the young wife died the year after her marriage. Mr. Searcy lived a widower until 1880 when he made a second mar- riage. His bride on this occasion was Mrs. Mary E. Duncan nee Fansler, a native of this county, born in March, 1861. She was the widow of Allen C. Duncan, who died during the year after their marriage, and is a daughter of Endimon and Araan • da (King) Fansler. Mrs. Searcy received her edu- cation at the district schools and at Shurtleff Col- lege in Alton, and is a member of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, graduating with the Class of '91. This union has been blest by the birth of three children, who form a bright and in- teresting group around the family fireside. Their respective names are Earl 1!., William E. and Evan L. Tracing the ancestry of Mr. Searcy bad: a few generations we find that the family lived in Vir- ginia. From that Stale the grandfalhei of our subject went to Kentucky when a young man and during the War of 1812 he served in a Kentucky regiment. He was one of the few survivors of the Dudley massacre. He removed from the Blue Grass State to Missouri, and was one of the first settlers in Boone County, where he bought a tract of land and improved a farm. His death occurred there early in the '60s. Lemuel I!. Searcy married 548 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mildred Conley; Iter father, John Conley, was in the Revolutionary War, anil in their family was a son, Benjamin P., who was born in the same county as his son, our subject. That gentleman grew to manhood amid somewhat primitive surroundings, as for many years after his father settled in Boone County there were no railroads there and St. Louis was the nearest depot for supplies, while the jour- ney to and fro was performed with wagons drawn by oxen, or at a later period by horses. Benjamin Searcy married Nancy E. Ridgway, who was born in Boone County. Mo., December 25. 1838, and in 1860 they went to New Mexico, traveling with teams via the Santa Fe trail. They located in Mora County, where at that time there were very few settlers, as indeed whites were but few in the entire territory. Mr. Searcy and his cousin, Enoch Tipton, established their homes near the present site of Watrous, a station on the Santa Fe Railroad, and were the fust settlers in the Boone Valley. Mr. Searcy bought a portion of the La- junta grant, and engaged in - stock-ra'sing and farming. He found it necessary to irrigate his land, as is generally necessary in the Rocky Moun- tain region. For some time Ft. Union, nine miles from his ranch, was the nearest point of any im- portance and the principal military post in the territory. Mr. Searcy died in 1868, and in No- vember of that year his widow came to this county with her three children and bought a farm in South Palmyra Township. After living in widowhood more than a decade, she married Capt. .1. S. Chiles, and she still occupies her farm. The maternal grandfather of our subject was John D. Ridgway, who was born in Clark County, Ky., but whose father, Ninian Ridgway, was a Vir- ginian who had gone to the Blue Grass State after attaining to his majority. In 1823 the family re- moved to Missouri, taking up pioneer work anil improving a tract of considerable extent. Their first home was in Boone County and thence Ninian Ridgway went to Calloway County, Mo., and made his home with his son Dudley until his decease. John Ridgway was married in 1831 to Sophia Wig- ginton, a native of Boone County, Ky., and a daughter of Badger and Parthena (Greene) Wig- ginton. After his marriage he entered Government land in Calloway County, improved it and resided there some years, then changed his place of abode to Boone County. There he bought land on which he lived until 1857, when he went to Arkansas. In I860 he came to this State and he is now living in Palmyra, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife died September 29. 1888. Their daughter, the mother of our subject, reared three children, of whom James B. is the eldest. The second is Sarah F , wife of Lincoln Chiles, and the youngest is William N., who is now studying law in the Bloom- in- 1 ' mi Law School. Mr. and Mrs. Searcy of this notice have made many friends since they established their home in Palmyra. Mr. Searcy belongs to Palmyra Lodge, No. 163, F. & A. M.. and Palmyra Camp. No. 149. M. W. A. His political sympathy and interest is with the Republican party. He belongs to the Christian Church, while his wife ii connected with the Southern Methodist Episcopal Church at Barr's Store. It is the aim of each to act in accordance with the Christian profession they have made, to bring up their children alight, and to do good as they have opportunity. -^=rs~ ,*p^ AMI EL D. EDDINGFON, a representa- V^tf tive farmer, residing on section 3, is nuin- \Jju bered among the honored pioneers of 1841 A half-century has passed since he located' here and with the history of the growth and 'level opment of the county he has since been identified. He has been an eye-witness of almost its entire progress, has seen its wild prairies transformed into beautiful farms and thriving cities, its log cabins replaced by commodious residences, churches and school houses built, manufactories and industries established, until in the course of civilization the county has been placed in the front rank among her sister counties in Illinois. As one of the pioneers Mr. Eddington is cer- tainly deserving of a representation in this volume. He was born near Bridgewater. Somersetshire, Eng- land, April 5, 1819, and is the elder of two sons whose parents were Joseph and Betsy (Domanee) ggL^ge£*s&^^ RESIDENCE OF F. R. K AH L , SEC. 11. , SHI PMAN TR, MACOUPIN CO., ILLS. RESIDENCE OFS. D. EDDI NGTON , SEC. 3., BRIGHTON TR, MACOU PI N CO., ILLS. ilBRARY OF T"E nv<**- — PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 551 Eddington. His paternal grandfather was William Eddington, of Somersetshire, who reached the ad- vanced nge of one hundred and three years, lie married Miss Hawkins, who died when little pasl the prime of life. Both were members of the Church of England. Joseph Eddington was born and reared near Bridgewater and in his native county wedded Miss Domanee, who was several years his junior. They, too, adhered to the faith of the Episcopal Church. The father died at his old home at about the aye of sixty-three years. In the community in which he was horn the sub- ject of this sketch spent the days of his boyhood and youth. When a young man of twenty-two years, in company with his only brother Joseph, he started for the United states, taking passage at Liv- erpool upon the sailing-vessel ''Kensington," which left port in the month of .lune and reached this country in August, after a. voyage of forty- two days. From New York the brothers made their way to Philadelphia and Pittsburg, where they boarded a tialboat and went down the river to St. Louis, becoming connected later on with the boat- ing service on the Mississippi. A few months were spent in New Orleans by Mr. Eddington and he then came to Macoupin County. He had only a cash capital of $5 and this lie put into the Stf.te Bank at Shawneetown, which failed a few days later. This left him without a cent, but he did not become discouraged; on the contrary he set to work to find a position that would provide him a sustenance and worked at breaking prairie and other hard labor until he had acquired through in- dustry and economy a sufficient sum to purchase land and begin business for himself. After a few years his brother died, leaving him the only one of the parental family in America. A marrirge ceremony, performed in St. Louis, united the destinies of Samuel Eddington and .lane Elworthy, who was born at West Zoyland, Somer- setshire, England, April 5, 1823. Her parents. James and Sarah (Cattle) Elworthy', were also natives of the same county, where they spent their entire lives, dying at the age of sixty-three anil eig'uty-four years respectively. Mr. Elworthy was a tailor and he and his wife were members of the Wesleyan Church and were highly respected, The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Eddington was Isaac Elworthy, a butcher by trade, who was born, lived and died in Somersetshire, departing this life at an advanced age. The wife of our subject is one of the youngest of a family of ten children, four of whom came to this country, but her brother Isaac, now a tailor of Brighton, ami herself are the only ones yet living, si'e was twenty years of age when with her two elder brothers she crossed the broad ocean and came from New York City to Ill- inois. A lady of many excellencies of character, she has won many friends, who hold her in high esteem. Ten children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Eddington, but their first child, Fred, is now de- ceased. He grew to manhood, married Rowena Gen tt and died at the age of thirty-eight years, leaving four children. The other members of the family are James, who wedded Edith Mitchell and is a farmer of Shipman Township; John W., who married Hannah Flarety and farms in Brighton Township: Samuel I)., who aids in the operation of the home farm :.C. Wesley, who married Ellen Ed- dington amHwjes-Jifji a part of the old homestead; Sarah, wife of Augti~t"'lW>omingslein, a resident farmer of this township; Thomas II., who assists in the farm work at home; Louisa E. and Ida M., in- telligent young ladies who are still with their par- ents (the latter possessing considerable musical ability), and Bessie D., a successful teacher in the public schools. Mr. Eddington and his wife attend the Metho- dist Church ami in politics he is a supporter of Republican principles. His entire property has been acquired since he came to this county. With- out capital save a young man's bright hope of the future and a determination to succeed, he has worked his way upward to a position of affluence. About 1845 he made his first purchase of land, be- coming owner of eight)- acres of raw prairie on section 10. He lived on that and improved it, af- terward purchasing several tracts as his financial resources were increased, until finally he became the owner of his present property. It was in 1872 that he purchased and located upon the fine farm which he still makes his home and a view of which is shown upon another page. It comprises three 552 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. hundred and sixty-three acres of valuable land on sections 2, 3. 10 and 1 I, and is well supplied with good farm buildings. The competence which Mr. Eddington has acquired is but the just reward of his labors. For some years he has suffered the partial loss of his eyesight, but he bears his mis- fortune very patiently. rERDINAND R. KAHL. Some German author has put into words the characteris- tic trait of his countrymen, when he says. 'Do with your whole soul that which is set before you; let nothing appear so hard that it may abash you, nothing so low that you may overlook it." The greatest strides have been made in the arts and sciences by our Teutonic neighbors, and yet, the finish of their work is so thorough as almost uni- versally to excite admiration. Attention to minu- tia is ingrained in them from earliest years. Our subject Ferdinand R. Kahl, is not different from his countrymen in this respect. His fine farm lo- cated on section 11, Shipman Township, declares him to be careful in his attention to every detail. As his name indicates our subject is of German birth and parentage. His father, Detleo Kahl, was born in Germany about 1812. His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Fischer, was a native of Germany, born in 1818. They emigrated to America when the country was suffering a relapse from the horrors of war. and coming to the district of Macoupin County in 18C4. settled in Shipman Township. There both parents died, the father pass- ing away in August, 1873; the mother in the spring of 1886. They had eight children who lived to be grown. Of these our subject was the fourth child, and was bom in Holsteiu, Germany, September 7, 1841. Mr. Kahl's early life was spent on a farm in the old country. He, however, learned the shoemaker's trade before coming to America. His emigration to this country was made in the fall of 1800, and he came direct to Shipman Township, remaining here for one and one-half years, during which time he supported himself by working at his trade. At the expiration of this time he went West to Color ado in the raining district, and was engaged in searching for the precious metal while in the moun- tains. He continued there for four years at the end of which time he returned to Shipman Town- ship, and soon after purchased a farm of two hun- dred acres, upon which he now lives. Since coming to Macoupin County, our subject has greatly improved his land and has added many buildings. He now gives his devoted attention to farming, being particularly interested in his dairy products, and is an extensive producer of dairy commodities which he ships to St. Louis. A view of his beautiful home appears on another page. Our subject's marriage took place in Litchfield, 111., December 21, 1868. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah A. Deahl, and is a sister of Adam Deahl, whose sketch will be found in another part of this Record. Mrs. Kahl was born in Alleghany County, Md., June 11, 1817. She is a capable woman, a loving helpmate to her husband, and a devoted mother to their eleven children. They are: Edwin A., Charles II., Mary E., George F., Maggie E.. Iluldah L., Walter W., Clara M., Henrietta C, Edna E , and Ohauncy E. Charles 11. died when ten months of age. Since returning from the West Mr. Kahl has been principally engaged in farming, and now ownstivo hundred and eighty acres on which he has placed a fine grade of improvements, lie has been elected to the office of Highway Commissioner and School Director which positions he has filled satisfactorily. Politically he is an adherent of the Democratic party. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Socially he is a member of the Masonic Eralernit}' and also a Knight of Honor. ig*£ . RIAL M. SOLOMON. It gives us pleas- 0y I ure to represent in this Biographical HI & Rkcord, dedicated to the residents of Macoupin County, this gentleman, who is one of the oldest citizens of Illinois now living in this section, a man well known and much respected. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 553 He was formerly actively engaged in agricultural pursuits and acquired a goodly amount of prop- erly thereby. He is now living in honorable retirement from business in the village of Palmyra. A native of Muhlenberg County, Ky., our sub- ject was born October 1, 1821. His father, Henry Solomon, was born December 6, 1799, in Franklin County, N. '.'. He was a son of Lewis Solomon, who was a native of the same State, and was there- reared and married. He finally removed to Mulil- enberg County, Ky., and was a pioneer of that region. In 1825 he came to Illinois with his fam- ily, making the entire journey by land, lie became one of the early settlers of Morgan County and uas a resident there until his removal to this county. He was one of the first to settle in North Palmyra Township, where he secured a tract of Government land, which he improved into a good farm, and there he passed quieily away in the month of August. 1849. He served as Justice of the Peace before the county was organized and was the first justice elected after it became a county. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Bowdcn. She was a native of Franklin County, N. C and a daughter of John Bowden. She pre- ceded her husband in death a few months, dying in February, 1849. The father of our subject was a child when the family took up their abode in Kentucky and there he grew to a stalwart manhood. He learned the trade of a shoemaker in his youth. In 1825 lie left his home in Muhlenberg County, and bringing with him his wife and two children, he came to Illinois, journeying by land to his destination. He arrived at Jacksonville October 19. and found hut one house on the present site of the city, though the town had been platted the previous August. That house was of logs and still stands one block east of the Square, a relic of the past. It is weather- boarded, the boards having been rived by hand, and the flooring was drawn from St. Louis. The greater part of the land was still in the hands of the Government when Mr. Solomon settled there and as he had but 16.50 in his possession he was unable to purchase any. He rented land for two years and at the end of that time was enabled to buy a claim to a tract, which now joins the city. There was a log house on the place and a few acres of the land broken constituted the improvements. He held onto his chum for two years and then entered it at the land office at Vandalia. In 1835 the father of our subject sold his prop- erty in Morgan County at the rate of $10 an acre, a good ad vancc on the purchase price, and with the proceeds lie bought Government laud in this county in what is now known as South Palmyra Township. He erected a log house and at once set about the hard labor of clearing a farm. There were no railways then in this part of the country and the fanners had to go to Alton to market. Mr. Solomon lived to see a great change wrought in the face of the country and he did his share of toil necessary to subdue the forces of nature and make this a rich and flourishing agricultural region. With the exception of one year, he con- tinued to occupy his farm until death closed his career at a ripe age in 1876. He was twice mar- ried. The maiden name of his first wife, mother of our subject, was Rebecca James. She died in Muhlenberg County in 1823. The step-mother of our subject was named Elizabeth Krous and she was a native of Kentucky. She died on the home farm in 1888 in her eighty-second year. Three of her children arc now living. Our subject is the only survivor of the chil- dren of his father's first marriage. He was but four years old when the family came to Illinois. He attended the first school ever taught in Jacksonville, which was held in a log cabin near the square on the south. The seats were made by splitting logs and hewing one side smooth and there were no backs to them. The building was heated by a fire in a rude fireplace and lighted by removing logs from the walls and pasting greased paper over the aperture. Fach family had to pay money for the teaching in accordance with the number of scholars sent to school. As soon as he was large enough Mr. Solomon assisted his father in the farm work, and he con- tinued an inmate of the parental home until he was twenty-four \ears old. When he was seventeen years of age his father gave him $50 and told him to do whatsoever he liked with it. The Of) I PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. enterprising youth wisely invested it in forty acres of Government land in South Palmyra Township, entering it at the land office at Edwardsville. Two years later his father again gave him a like sum of money and he judiciously exchanged it for forty acres of land in Barr Township, adjoining his first entry. He never located on the land, but eventually sold it at 15.25 an acre. He then bought one hundred and ten acres in Barr Township and took up his residence there- on. He did well as a farmer and from t'mc to time bought other land until lie had four hundred acres in his possession. In the fall of 1888 he re- moved from his homestead in Barr Township to Palmyra and has since lived retired in this village. Mr. Solomon was first wedded in November, 1844, to Miss .lane Norman, a native of Tennessee. Their married life was one of mutual helpfulness and felicity. It was terminated by the death of the faithful wife in 1S7G in the home that she had helped her husband to build up. The second mar- riage of our subject, which took place in March, 1879, was with Mrs. Elvira (I'.radshaw) Wiswell. She was born on a farm adjoining the city of .Jack- sonville, Morgan County, January 21. 182:5. Her father, John Bradshaw, vvas a native of North Carolina. He removed from there to Tennessee, whence he enme to Illinois in 1817, this State then being a territory. He resided for one year in a block house on the American Bottoms, as the Indians were then numerous and troublesome. In 1818 be went to Morgan County, where he entered a tract of Government land which now joins the city of Jacksonville on the east. He erected a rude log cabin, riving the boards for a roof, making a puncheon floor and splitting boards for the door, which had wooden hinges, and a wooden latch that was raised by a string put through the door and hanging on the outside. He had no nails to use in building the structure. Later he built a hewed log house, sawing the lumber for it with a whip saw. He made that his abode until his death in 1845. The maiden name of his wife was Fanny Elkins. She was a native of Kentucky. She passed from life to death on the home farm at Jacksonville in 1865. Mrs. Solomon lived with her parents until her marriage. She learned to weave and spin and in her early married life made all the cloth used by the family. She was first wedded at the age of fifteen years to Eugene Wiswell, a native of Ver- mont and a son of Joseph and Catherine (Deal) Wiswell. Mr. Wiswell served in the late war as Quartermaster in the Ninety-first Illinois Infantry. After the war he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at New Orleans, where he died of yellow fever in 18Cfi. After the death of her husband Mrs. Solomon returned to Iroquois County, this State. She is the mother of eight children by her first marriage, of whom the following is recorded : Elvina, Mrs. Skeels, lives in Iroquois County; Nancy A.. Mrs. Douglas is a resident of Clinton, Mo. ; Catherine F., Mrs. Lindsey, lives in Iroquois County; John W. lives at Lee. Summit County, Mo.; Lou, Mrs. Thisler, resides at Bergen, Ky. ; Flora, Mrs. Austin, resides at Abilene, Kan.; Cora, Mrs. Doolittle, is a resident of Jacksonville; Josephine, Mrs. Shank, lives at Palmyra. Mr. Solomon has six children living by his first marriage: Elizabeth J., Mrs. Hinckle, a resident of Pana, Christian County, III.; Mary J., Mrs. Ross, lives at Wilber, Neb.; Melvina, Mrs. Edwards, is a resident of Denver, Colo.; Benjamin F. lives in Oklahoma, and Samuel C. Our subject is a Christian in deed and word and a member in high standing in the Baptist Church. He is as sound in his politics as in his religion and is an unswerving adherent of the Democratic party. Mrs. Solomon belongs to the Christian Church and is an active worker in the fold. -. : sg^jUjc : . ^p^l ARDNER CASE, a retired farmer who re- J|| ,=-, sides in a pleasant and beautifu 1 home on ^JJl Franklin Street, Bunker Hill, has lived in this place for twelve years, coming here from his farm in Bunker Hill Township, where he had lived since 1842. He obtained the land unbroken, and put it in a splendid state of cultivation. He then sold it and purchased a large farm of more than eight hundred and fifty acres in Montgomery of m I ' PORTRAIT AND HKHMJAI'HICAL RECORD. 557 County, and this he now owns. He was a practi- cal farmer and stock-raiser, especially in the line of swine and sheep. Mr. Case came to this State from Connecticut in 1812. His birthplace was ten miles west of Hart- ford, Conn., and his ratal day was February 1 1. 1818. His father, Nathan Case, was horn and reared in Connecticut, and became the largest land owner in his township. He devoted himself largely to the culture of fruit and the manufacture of cider and died at the old home at the age of seventy-two years. He was a Whig i;i his political views, and was sent by that party to the State Legislature. He was a member in good and regular standing of the Congregational Church, as was his wife, whose maiden name was Lucy Moses, who was born in Hartford County, Conn. She died i.i the prime of life, when her son, our subject, was only six years old. Nathan Case was married a second time to Edna Gillett, who also died in Hartford County. The grandfather of our subject was a patriot of the Revolutionary days. Jedadiab Case by name, who was a brave soldier, a good citizen and a promi- nent farmer of Connecticut. The subject of this biographical sketch, was one of the younger of the five children born to his mother. When twenty-one years old lie left Con- necticut and came to Illinois, and began life for himself on a new farm in Bunker Hill Township, this county. Here he has made his fortune and here he has built up a reputation as a man of pure habits and sound character. Every one who knows him rejoices to speak well of him. His marriage took place in Montgomery County, 111., his bride being Fannie Gallaher. She was born in West Vir- ginia, in 1839, eight miles from Harper's Ferry. Her natal da)- was December 29. She is the daugh- ter of Sidney and Jane (Howard) Gallaher, both Virginians. Mrs. Gallaher died at the age of twenty-seven years. Her husband lived to be sev- enty four years old. He spent a number of bis later years in Illinois, but returned to Fairfax County, W. Ya., before his death. They were both earnest and conscientious members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. The wife of our subject is one of three daugh- ters of her parents, all yet living, and all having established homes of their own. Mrs. Case was reared in Johnstown, W. Ya., and is a lady of rare intelligence and of most lovely character. She has hosts of friends in Hunker Hill. She has been the mother of two children, one of whom .Maud, died in infancy: Harvey, who is still at home, is a grad- uate of the Hunker Hill Academy; Mrs. Case is a member of the Congregational Church. Her grand- father was a native of Ireland, who came to Amer- ica when a young man and lived and died in West Virginia, passing away in extreme old age. Mr. Case casts his vote for the Democratic party, to which he has always been attached. •;♦.?;■►; ♦ 1 OllX 1'. HENDERSON is well known in financial circles not only as a part proprie. tor of the Hank of Virden, but as one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of the county, owning and occupying a large and well- ordered farm in Virden Township. lie was born in Garrard County, Ky., January 15,1833. His father was .Tames Harvey Henderson, a Virginian by birth, coming of Scotch ancestry. He removed with his family to Kentucky in the early years of its settlement, and then went from there to Indiana in its territorial days, and located near Blooining- ton. There were but few whites in that part of the country then, and as the Indians were numer- ous and hostile, the whole neighborhood lived for some time in a fort. The grandfather of our subject was a resident of Indiana during the War of 1812, and one of his brothers took part in that conflict and never "as heard from afterward. In 1830 Grandfather Hen- derson came to Morgan County, 111., and spent the ••Winter of the Deep Snow" there. Soon after he- took up his residence among the pioneers of Greene County, locating on a tract of timber and prairie land near Whitehall, where he spent the remainder of his life in improving a farm, dying in 1849. lie married Nancy Provinc, who died at the home of the father of our subject about two years after her husband's death. 558 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. .lames Harvey Henderson was very young when his parents removed to Indi&na, where he grew to manhood. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the trade of a blacksmith, receiving sufficient money to clothe and board himself. At that time blacksmiths used to make chains, wedges, axes, hoes, and even the horse shoes and the nails with which to put them on. He worked evenings to make those things to sell, and in that way earned his first money, which was the basis of a fortune. After completing his apprenticeship Mr. Henderson returned to Kentucky and carried on his trade in that Stale. He married during his residence there, and in the fall of 1837 came to Illinois once again, bringing with bim his wife and the two children that had been born to them in Kentucky. The journey was made with a pair of oxen and a horse to lead, attached to a covered wagon, in which were all their earthly possessions. Mr. Henderson located at Carrollton, then a small place, and became one of its pioneer mechan- ics, opening a shop for the purpose of carrying on trade, and operating it two years. At the expira- tion of that time he entered Government land six- miles east of Whitehall. lie erected a log house, also a smithy, and devoted a part of his time to his trade and the rest to his farm, residing there until 1853. About 1850 he came to Macoupin County and entered six hundred and forty acres of Government land in what is now Yirden Township. In 1853 he took up his residence upon it, building his dwelling on section 10, and in the years that followed he devoted himself assiduously to improv- ' ing his farm, in the fall of 1883 he died in the comfortable home that was the result of his unre- mitting toil. He was more than ordinarily fortu- nate in the prosecution of his calling, and had become one of the wealthy farmers of the county, whose name will ever be held in respect as that of one who aided in developing the riches of the county, and who, though not one of its earliest set- tlers, is deserving of a high place among its pio- neers. The maiden name of his wife was Almira B. Reid. and she was a native of Kentucky. She departed this life on the home farm in Greene County in 1845, leaving three children, namely : Samuel B., who died in 1849; John P.; and Mary, - who married John Woodson, and died at St. Louis in 1880, leaving two children, Julia and Alma. In the pioneer schools of Greene County our subject received his education. These temples of learning were rudely furnished with benches made of puncheon, with wooden pins for legs, and with- out backs or desks. A log was taken out of the wall of the house to admit light. The country surrounding his early home in this State was in a wild condition, as the pioneers had not made much headway against the forces of nature at that period, and deer, wdd turkeys and other game were plen- tiful. He was quite young when he began to assist his father in the farm work, and he continued to live with him until he attained manhood. In 1856 he turned aside fiom the calling to which he had been bred, to engage in the mercantile business at Yirden, and carried it on there successfully the en- suing four years. In 1863 he decided to try his fortune in the Golden State, and with fifteen others he started for the Pacific Coast in the month of April, taking quite a number of horses and mules to dispose of in California. The little parly made the entire journey overland across the plains by the way of the Platte River Valley and Salt Lake. In the month of August our subject and his com- panions arrived at Marysville, where they disposed of their stock, and in December of tue same year he started homeward by way of the Isthmus, ar- riving one month later. After his return from California Mr. Henderson accepted the position of clerk to Sheriff Wills, who was then County Tax Collector. He remained with him two years, and then began to improve a farm west of Virden. In 1873 he sold that place and purchased the one on which he now resides of Dr. Orange B. Heaton. This farm contains four hun- dred and eighty acres of fine, well-cultivated prai- rie land, well stocked with cattle and horses of high grade, and amply provided with buildings of a neat and substantial class, and all the modern p.pJ pliances for carrying on agriculture to the best ad- vantage. Our subject is a man of large enterprise, and he- sides managing his extensive farming affairs very successfully, he is interested in the banking busi- ness. In 1887 he formed a partnership with B. F. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 559 Caldwell, E. I). Keys, W. T. Lewis and George J. Patterson, to establish the Bank of Virden, and he is still a member of the linn. The bank has had a prosperous run of four years, and is firmly founded in the confidence of the people, who regard it as one of our safest and best managed monetary in- stitutions, and its credit is high wherever it has financial dealings. father, who was one of the early settlers of Morgan County, this State, was a native of Hagerstown, Md. lie in turn was a son of John Rohrcr, who was of Swiss birth. The latter was reared and married in the land of his nativity, and in 1793 came to America, three of his brothers accompany, ing him, one of them settling in Virginia and two of them in Pennsylvania. The grandfather of our The marriage of Mr. Henderson with Miss Maxie subject erected a stone Homing mill at Hagerstown, Z. Bronaugh was solemnized in January, 1867, and their happy wedded life has brought them one daughter, whom they have named Almira L. Mrs. Henderson is a daughter of John and Louisa (Poin- dexter) Bronaugh, of whom a sketch appears on an- other page of this work. Mr. Henderson is a man of sensible and sound views on all the important questions of the day, and is well dowered with tenacity of purpose, sagacious and independent judgment and other traits necessary to success in any vocation. He has not staid to question whether or no "life is worth living," but has done his best to make it so by doing his whole duty wherever placed. In his politics he is unswerving in his allegiance to the Democratic party. Both he and his good wife are exemplary members of the Christian Church, and are of high repute in their community. A lithographic portrait of Mr. Henderson is pre- sented on another page of this volume. -g M — -y-^^-" ■ ffiAME.S H. ROHRER, one of the oldest resi- dents of this county, is prominent and well- known as a member of its farming commun- ity who has for many years been active in helping to develop its agricultural resources, and so has materially promoted its rise and progress. which is still standing, a relic of the past. He operated that mill eight years and at the expiration of that time went to Virginia, whence he subse- quently removed to Kentucky, where he purchased land and gave his attention to farming until death closed his mortal career. His youngest son still occupies the old homestead that he improved from the primeval wilds. The maiden name of his wife was Kate Orendorph, and she was also a native of Switzerland. She died on the Kentucky home- stead. The father of our subject was a lad when his par- ents went to Kentucky, and there in due time lie married and established himself as a farmer on Kentucky soil. In August. 1826, deeming that he could do still better in the more newly settled State of Illinois, he came hither with his wife and the two children that had been born to them, the journey being made by land with a pony and a blind horse attached to a wagon that held all their earthly possessions. They were delayed by sick- ness, and did not arrive at their destination in Morgan County until the 10th of October. They camped near a cabin, and during the night the owner of that dwelling called and offered to give ill) l Lie claim on which it stood and a stack of fodder in exchange for the pony, possession to be given the next day. The bargain was made at once, and on the morrow Mr. Rohrer and his family moved into the cabin. He had but $50 with which to begin life in a new country, and with that For more than thirty years he has owned and occu pied his present farm, which is pleasantly situated he entered forty acres of tin 1 land, which was located in Seottville Township, and is as well improved two miles west of Waverly. The cabin was a prim- and cultivated as any within its bounds. Logan County, Ky., is the birthplace of our sub- ject, and there in the humble pioneer home of Ja- cob and Artemisia (Ashbaugh) Rohrer he first opened his eyes to the light of the world. His itive affair, with a puncheon floor and a mud and stick chimney, while the boards on the roof were held in place by weight poles. Mr. Rohrer commenced at once the hard pioneer task that lay before him of evolving a farm from .560 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the wilderness. He had to go way to Alton or St. Louis to market his grain and other produce, which was a difficult journey in those days before railways were introduced in this part of the world. He carried on his operations with great success, as he was more than ordinarily gifted with energy and good judgment, and besides developing his origi- nal purchase, he bought other land, and at the time of his death in 1 s:»8 had a fine farm of three hun- dred acres of very fertile land, well supplied with good buildings and other improvements. He did good work as a pioneer and was much missed in his community. His wife died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Spencer Norvell. She was a native of Bullitt County, Ky., and a daughter of .Tames aud Kate Ashbaugh. She was the mother of four children that grew to maturity: Mary, .lames, George and Kate. But few men are as well posted in the early his- tory of this county as our subject. Coming to Illi- nois in his infancy his earliest recollections are connected with its pioneer life, and he has wit- nessed almost the entire development arid growth of this section from its primitive wildness. When his father came to the State the greater part of the land was owned by the Government, and has since been sold at sums varying from twelve and a half cents to a $1.25 an acre. The habits and customs of the people were necessarily different from those of to-day, owing to far different environments, as the e.irly settlers of the country had to struggle against the rude forces of nature and had but little time for the amenities of life. This perhaps was but little to be regretted, as perchance the hard- ships that were so patiently and heroically endured brought out many fine traits of character, such as unwearying self-sacrifice, a generous interest in the welfare of their fellow-pioneers, and a warm-hearted hospitality that have never been exceeded by any other people. They were obliged to live chiefly on the products of their farms and on the wild game that abounded on the prairies or in the tim- ber, and were mostly clothed in homespun made by the skillful hands of the women. Our subject was quite a lad when the village of Waverly was platted, and he watched the men drive the first stakes that marked its bounds, His education was obtained in the pioneer schools of the time, which were furnished with puncheon benches that had no backs or desks, and the build- ing was lighted by the admission of the sunshine through a hole made in the wall by the removal of a log. When not in school Mr. Rohrer was required to help his father in the farm work, and he con- tinued to remain an inmate of the parental house- hold until he attained the age of twenty-three years. In the meantime, he had earned money enough to pa} 1 for the land that he had bought at %i an acre in Morgan County. There was a log house on it at the time of purchase, and in thai, he and his bride commenced housekeeping on an hum ble scale. In 1858 he sold that place and bought the homestead on which he has since resided. It comprises two hundred and sixty-seven acres of ns tine farming land as can be found in that vicinity, which is under excellent cultivation, and it is pro- vided with ample and well-built buildings for every needed purpose. The marriage of our subject with Miss Elizabeth Sharp took place in 1852. and in her he has found one who has always sympathized with him in all his plans, and has co-operated with him cheerfully in carrying them out. A sincere Christian, the Methodist Episcopal Church finds in her an earnest member. Her marriage with our subject has been blessed to them by the birth of children, of whom these six have been spared to bless their declining years: Harriet, Katie, Minnie, Julia, Uolla and Nora. Their fourth child, Ella, died at the age of twenty-one years. Their only son, .lames Freder- ick, who was born January 14, 187.3, died Decem- ber 19, 1890. Harriet married John Hurt, and has four children, who are named Jeptha, Ilallie, Ora and Lizzie. Kate married Gordon Crum, they live, in Gage County, Neb., and they have three chil- dren: Roy, Cora, and Ralph. Minnie married William Dalton, and they have three children, Clarence, Lela, and Baby ; they live in Clay County, Neb. Julia married William Close; and Rolla mar- ried Frederick Butcher, they have one child living, Floyd. Mrs. Rohrer is a native of Scottville Township where she still makes her home, born here in the early days of its settlement May 19, 1833. She PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 50 1 comes of tbe old pioneer slock of this county, anil is a daughter of Isaac Sharp, who was a native of Tennessee. His father was a pioneer of that State. whence he came to this count}" during the latter part of his life. Mrs. Rohrer's father was reared and married in Tennessee, taking as his wife Chloe Berry, also a native of that Slate, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ray wood) Kerry. She sur- vived her husband some years, and died at the home of a daughter near Waverly. In Ihe prime of a stalwart manhood Mr. Sharp came with his wife to Illinois and was among the first to settle in Scott- ville Township. He bought land on section 13, improved a farm, and there dwelt in contentment and comfort the rest of his days. Our subject and his estimable wife arc held in high regard for their many excellencies of character that have made them good citizens, kind neighbors and true friends. Mr. Rohrerisone of the strong- est advocates of the Democratic party in his com- munity. He has always displayed true public- spirit in his manifest interest in the well-being of his township and county, and has done loyal service whenever he has been called to responsible positions in civic life. He was the first to represent Scott- ville Township, on the County Board of Supervis- ors, elected to I hat office the year of its organiza- tion, 1871, and he filled it three terms. He has been School Treasurer many years. \ JjfclLLIAM AN M/l taingMi !\W where he has ILLIAM ANDERSON, who is engaged in section 5, Cahokia Township, has made his home for seventeen rears, has the honor of being one of the pioneer lettlers of Macoupin County, where he has resided ilmost continuously since his early childhood. No me in the community is more deserving of a rep- lesentation in the county's history than he, and it s with pleasure that we present his sketch to the leaders of the Record. Mr. Anderson was born in Putnam County. Ind., iear Greencastle, February 14, 1832. His father, anies Anderson, was a native of Tennessee, of English and Scotch descent, and made farming his life work. He married a Miss Whitehead and they resided in Tennessee until after all of their children were born when they emigrated to Put- nam County, Ind., which was then in its infancy, the greater partof the land being still in its prim- itive condition, while the work of civilization and progress seemed scarcely begun. Upon the farm which he there developed James Anderson and his wife abided until death called the mother to the home beyond. He afterward went to Boonr County, where he spent his last days with om- of his daughters. He had served as a private in the Black Hawk War and was a man of prominence in the community where he resided. He held mem- bership with the Baptist Church and both he and his wife were highly esteemed people. Thomas Anderson, the father of our subject, was born in the State of Tennessee where he he spent the greater part of his childhood and youth. Soon after removing to Indiana he at- tained, his majority and was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Scott, a native of North Carolina, who when a young maiden went to Indiana with her parents, Robert and Martha (Proffitt) Soctt, the family locating in Putnam County, whence the parents removed in 1831 to Macoupin County, III. They became pioneers of this region and here died when well advanced in years. One child was born unto Thomas Anderson and wife in Indiana and they then came in 1834 to Macoupin County fet- tling in what is now Honey Point Township, where both died in middle life, the mother in 1838, the father in 1813. He was a faithful and consistent member of the Baptist Church, as was also Mrs. Anderson. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of five children, of whom four sons by a second mar- riage are yet living. He was left an orphan when only eleven years of age, when he began to make his own way in the world and has since been de- pendent upon his own resources. He may truly be called a self-made man and certainly he deserves no little credit for his success in life. He began as a farm hand and for four years was employed in a saw mill by Columbus Corr. lie had pre- viously worked for two other farmers in the neigh- 562 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. borliood and his fidelity to liis employers was such that he never had to seek for work, but on the con- trary was sought by those in need of such services. At length by industry and economy he hud se- cured enough money to purchase a small tract of land and began farming for himself. As a help- mate on life's journey he chose Miss Lydia J. Hud- dlestun, who was born in this county in 1837, and is the youngest daughter of John and Nancy (Dunn) Huddlestun, who were natives of Tennes- see and were married after their emigration to the Iloosier Stale. At an early day they came to this county, locating in Cahokia Township and after- ward made a home in Brushy Mound Township, but in the former they spent their last days. Mr. Huddlestun died before the birth of Mrs. Ander- son. The mother long survived him, passing away at a ripe old age. Roth were identified with the Methodist Church. The combined capital of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson on their marriage was little more than $400 but as the result of their united labors, their persever- ance and enterprise, the}' acquired a handsome property. The raw prairie which our subject pur- chased in Brushy Mound Township continued to be their home until their removal to the farm in Cahokia Township some seventeen years ago. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of valuable land, constituting one of the best farms in the county, upon which may be seen substantial im- provements in the shape of good buildings and machinery, together with a fine residence. He also raises excellent grades of stock, which like his real- estate give evidence of the care of the owner. After a happy married life of twenty-five years, during which she had proved a true helpmate to her husband, Mrs. Anderson was called to her final rest. She was a faithful member of the Baptist Church, a consistent friend and a loving wife and mother. She died April 9, 1881, at the age of forty-three years, leaving six children to share with the husband in his bereavement. John T., the eldest, wedded Matilda Mitchell, now deceased, and follows farming in Honey Point Township. Samuel F. assists in the operation of the home farm ; Clara J. since her mother's death, has pre- sided over the home and taken charge of the house- hold duties; William Luther who married Cora Winsor, is a farmer living in Clyde; Ida A. is the wife of James McReynolds, an agriculturist of Honey Point Township; and Charles L. is at home. Two children died prior to the mother's death — Joseph and an infant. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Baptist Church, in which he has served as Deacon for a number of years. He affiliates with the National Greenback party, and has held a number of local offices, the duties of which were very faithfully performed. His example in many respects is well worthy of emulation and should serve to encourage young men who, like himself. who have to start out in life empty handed. His prosperity is not due to good luck but is the result of years of laborious effort, industry, perseverance and good management. — a- 4$H ,ps^ IDNEY L. TWITCHELL. though not one ^^^ of the earliest settlers of this county, is M/_JJ) entitled to a high place among its ener- getic, far-sighted, enterprising pioneers, as he came here while it was yet a sparsely settled and but little improved wilderness, and in the years of down-right hard labor that followed, he helped to develop the vast agriculturel resources of this region by transforming a tract of land into one of the best cultivated farms in the locality where lie settled more than forty years ago. He is now liv- ing in honorable retirement from active business in the village of Virden, though he still takes a lively interest in the public affairs and takes a part in their administration. Mr. Twitchell was born in the pretty New Eng- land town of Wyebridge, Addison County, Vt., September 27, 1 827. His father was John Twitchell, and he was born in Rutland County, that State, fl son of Daniel Twichell, who was born and reared in England. In early manhood he left his old English home to seek another one on American soil, being accompanied hither by one or two brothers. He married in Vermont, and for a time carried on farming in Rutland Count}', and later PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 563 in Addison County, where lie died. He and his wife reared a family of five sons and one daughter. The father of our subject was reared to the life of a farmer among the hills of his native county. When a young man he went to Addison County, and there married Annie, daughter of William and Harriet Sanford. In 1831 he left the home that he had established there, and with his wife and seven children made his way to Illinois, traveling overland and bringing all his household goods with him. His brother-in law Evarts Griswold also came with him. Mr. Twitchell spent the first year after his arrival in Greene County, and then became a pioneer of Jersey County, where he entered a tract of Government land near the present site of Kemper. He bought and removed a log house to his claim for a temporary shelter, and at once busied himself in the hard labor of developing a farm from the surrounding wilds. In the spring of 1833 he began to build a frame house, but he died before its completion, and Jerse}' Count}' was deprived of the services of one of its most indus- trious pioneers. His death was a severe blow to his family as he left them in limited circumstances. The mother worked hard and kept her children to- gether as best she could, and as soon as they were large enough they had to help earn their own living. Our subject was educated in the primitive pin. neer schools of his boyhood, that were taught in log houses, which were furnished with rude seats made of slabs and without backs or desks. A slab along the side of the room served as a writing 'desk for the older scholars. The schools were con- ducted on the subscription plan, each family pay- ing according to the number of scholars sent. Our subject was early thrown on his own resources, and developed into a sturdy, self-reliant, capable lad. Soon after his father died he went to live With a farmer in Greene County, and remained with him three years. He then returned home, and - -«— AMDEL S. CLARK, a retired merchant, living in Bunker Hill, is numbered among the honored pioneers of that city, of De. cember, 1840, his residence there cover- ing a period of more than half a century. He came to Macoupin County from the Empire state. where he had sojourned a few years after leaving Massachusetts, the State of his nativity. He was born in New Braintree, Worcester County, Decem- ber 4, 1806, and is descended from one of the early New England families. His father. James Clark, was born in the town of Mansfield, Conn., and learned the trade of a cabinetmaker. Throughout., the greater part of bis life he engaged in the furni- ture business, but after his emigration to the Wesl followed fanning. In 1810 lie accompanied our subject to Macoupin County, and secured a piece of open prairie land north of Bunker Hill, where he developed and improved a farm, making it bis home for sixteen years, when in 1856 he went to the city, where his last days were spent. He passed away in 185S, at the age of seventy-five. He was a successful business man, and look a prominent part in all public affairs. His first wife was in her maidenhood Mary Shumway, a Massachusetts lady, who came of a good family. She died in 183'.), while they were living in New York City, being then fifty-six years of age. She left four children, but two have since died — Mary, wl - the wife of S. J. Bacon, and died in i oik City; and Nancy, who became the wife of Moses True, one of the oldest settlers, and for years one of the most prominent men of Bun- ker Hill. He is also now deceased. She died in 1875, leaving one son, James C. True, of Wichita, Kan. The surviving members of the family are Samuel S. and James. The latter married Laura Sanford, and is now engaged in the manufacture of eider in St. Louis, Mo. After James Clark came to Illinois, he was a second time married, Mrs. Mary (Spooner) Daniels, of North Brookfield, Mass., becoming his wife. She died in 1863 at the age of seventy five years. Mr. Clark and his two wifes were all devoted members and active work- ers in the Congregational Church. We now lake up the personal history of our sub- ject, who has so long been prominently connected with the history of Macoupin County. Under the parental roof the days of his boyhood and youth were passed, and he learned the trade which li is father had followed. In West Brookfield he led to the marriage altar, in 1838, Miss Jane S. Pritchatd, who was born in that place in 1814. They began their domestic life in the East, but after two years, following the course of human emigration which was steadily flowing Westward, they landed in Bunker Hill, and Mr. Clark embarked in the mer- cantile business. His wife was not long permitted to enjoy her new home, for her death occurred in l.sll. She was a most estimable woman and a Enenrbeftitf the Congregational Church. Three chil- dren were born of her marriage, but all died in childho x>d. It was in Jacksonville, 111., that Mr. Clark led to the marriage altar Miss Phoebe Pierson, who was born in Ccdarville, N. J., March 28, 1818, and is a daughter of Dr. Daniel C. and Naomi C. (Nixon) Pierson. They were natives of the same State and were married in Cumberland County. In 1833 they emigrated with their family to Illinois, and for a time lived upon a farm until Dr. Pierson bought out the drug business of a Mr. Ayres, carry- ing on the store for some years. Later he built a grist mill in Jacksonville, and on selling out, re- moved to Augusta, Hancock County, 111., where he died in 1857, at the age of sixty-five years. He was a prominent man wherever he lived and won many friends. His wife went to Kansas, where she made her home with her son George until her death in 1884, at the age of eighty-four years. The Doctor and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, and had a large family of children, of whom six are yet living. Mrs. Clark was carefully reared, and in Jackson ville obtained an excellent education. In an early day she came to Bunker Hill to teach school, being i/BRARY Of THE f M WfSk. : -, A # £6^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 567 one of the first teachers of the place, and here gave her hand to Mr. Clark. The marriage, however, was celebrated in Jacksonville. This worthy and respected couple are active workers in tlie Congre- gational Church, in which for twenty-four years our subject has filled the office of Clerk. He has also filled theolliceof Town Clerk six years, and School Treasurer, having served in the latter position since I8t>9, and is the present incumbent. In poli- tics he is a stalwart Republican and is a prominent and well-known citizen of the community. In his business life he has formed an extensive acquaint- ance. Soon after locating in Bunker Hill, Mr. Clark became associated with Maj. P. C. Huggins in the mercantile trade, which connection was con- tinued for four years, when our subject embarked in business on his own account as a general mer- chant. His courteous treatment and fair dealing soon won him a liberal patronage, and he became a prosperous citizen of the community. As his financial resources increased, he made judicious in- vestments in real estate, and when he had acquired a handsome property, he laid aside business cans and is now living in the enjoyment of the fruits of former toil. Although in his eighty-fifth year, Mr. Clark is superintending the remodeling of a house. (jyft RS. SUSAN (KELLER) LOPEB, one of the surviving pioneers of Macoupin County. cow resides in Western Mound Township, in the pleasant home in whose upbuilding she assisted her husband, the late Adrian W. Loper. who was for many years one of the leading fanner of this section. His portrait presented on the op- posite page perpetuates for coming generations the lineaments of one universally esteemed and be- loved. Mrs. Loper was born in Crawford County, Ind., September 4, 1818, and comes of old pioneer stock. Her father, John Keller, who was of German de- scent, was young when his parents removed from his native State, Maryland, to the wilds of Ken- tucky, and there he was reared and married. In 1800 he went to Indiana and was one of the first settlers in Crawford County, where he bought a hut of wild land. He immediately entered upon the hard pioneer task that lay before him. and his firs! work was to clear away the brush and trees to make room for the log cabin that he intended to build for the shelter of his family. In 1833 he dis posed of that place and with his wife and eleven children penetrated to the primeval wilds of Illinois with an ox-team, bringing his household go. ds along, and camping and cooking by the wayside at night. He also drove about one hundred sheep and fifty cows to his new home. He found a suitable location on the Kickapoo River, in Coles County, of which he was a pioneer. In 1836 Mr. Keller sold his property in Coles County, and coming to Macoupin County, was a pioneer of Chesterfield Township. He entered a tract of Government land, improved it into a fine farm, and dwelt thereon many years, receiving from his neighbors and associates the respect 'due to an upright life. He finally removed to Chester- field, and his last days were spent in that village in honorable retirement. The maiden name of his wife was Zilla Van Meter, and she was a native of Grayson Count}', Kv. Her father, John Van Meter, is thought to have been born in Kentucky, and was of French ancestry. He was a pioneer farmer of Kentucky, and spent his last years in that State. lie married Diana Holselaw. Mrs. Loper's mother resided at Chesterfield during the latter part of her life, and at her death her body was deposited be- side that of her husband in Kilby Cemetery. Mrs. Loper was eleven years old when she ac- companied her parents to this State, and she was fourteen years of age when the family removed to this county. Her early life was thus passed amid the pioneer scenes that characterized this county in the opening years of its settlement, and she has been an intelligent witness of much of its growth. The people were then mostly home-livers, that is they subsisted on the products of their farms, and many articles of food that are now considered in- dispensable, were then unknown luxuries. Our subject was taught all the useful household arts that were at that time in vogue, and early became an adept in carding, spinning and weaving wool and flax, and in her early married life she made the 568 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. cloth in which her children were clad. When she was initiated into the mysteries of cooking, it was before a fire in a huge, old-fashioned fireplace, and many a delicious meal she 1 as prepared by such a fire. When she gave her hand in marriage to Adrian W. Loper, December 22, 1837, she was well pre- pared to assume the responsibilities of wedded life ami to make a home comfortable and happy, and her husband could have made no better choice of a helpmate and life companion than she proved to him in the fifty and more years that they journeyed together. She has also been a wise and tender mother to the children oorn of their marriage, of whom there are six as follows: Lodusky, Mrs. Hayward; Gideon B„ Cruise Y.; Lena Lota, Mrs. Creaser; Ophelia, Mrs. Duckies; and Adrian C. Wright. Adrian W. Loper was a native of New Jersey, and a son of James Loper, who is also supposed to have been born in that State. He was a seafaring man, and at the time of the War of 1812 was the owner of two large vessels, but losing them on ac- count of the war he removed to Indiana. He was accompanied in his migration by his wife and two children, making the journey across the Allegheny Mountains in a one-horse wagon. He located near Fairfield, and after residing there for a time, in 1829 he again started Westward, and coming to Illinois took up his abode in Greene County, where he lived through the "winter of the deep snow." In 1831 he made still another move, and coming to this county, became an early settler of Chester- field Township, where his earthly pilgrimage ceased and he was gathered to his fathers at a ripe age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Fitzgerald, spent her last years in Chesterfield Township. James Loper and his wife became the parents of seven children, namely: George, A. W. James, John, Eliza, Margaret and Phoebe. At the time of his marriage Adrian Loper lo- cated in Western Mound Township, and from that date until the day of his death, which occurred January 18, 1890, he was one of its most success- ful farmers. He was wide-awake, endowed with activity and firmness of purpose, mpre than ordin- arily far sighted, shrewd and sound of judgment, and by years of close application to his business and real hard work, he accumulated a handsome property. He helped to develop the county, and his name will ever occupy an honorable position in its history as an honored pioneer. rLETCHER RICHARDSON. Another of the foster children of our country who has gratefully 3hows his appreciation of the ad- vantages here attained by coming to the aid of his adopted land when in her sore need, throwing his life in the balance with the chances of war. is he whose name is at the head of this sketch who has a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres located on section 27, of Shipman Township. To such men as these the youth of to-day should lake off their hats in reverence, for there was nothing of selfishness in the gift that they made our beloved land of services rendered during the late War of the Rebellion. Our subject is of English origin and birth, his father being John Richardson who was bom in Herfordshire, England, and his mother, Margaret Barrett, a native of Kentucky. The former lived until he had reached an advanced age. The mother still survives. They resided in St. Louis, Mo. Ten children comprised the parental family of whom our subject was the sixth. He was born in Greene County, this State, December 2, 1842. When he was about two years of age his parents removed to Macoupin County, and settled in Shipman Town- ship, where he grew to an intelligent and vigorous manhood. The original of this sketch was married February 22, 1869, to' Miss Maria A. Seeor, daughter of James and Maria (Fishback) Secor, the former of whom was a native of New York State, the latter of Tennessee. Mrs. Richardson's father died in Ship- man Township, in October, 1888, having reached ninety-two years of age. The mother still survives. Mrs. Richardson was one of seven children, being the fourth in order of birth. Her birth occurred in St. Louis, Mo. After the marriage of the gentleman whose his- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 509 tory it is our pleasure to here chronicle and the lady who lias greatly added to the beauty and serenity of his life, they settled on a farm on sec- tion 27, Shipnian Township, where they have ever since resided. Mr. Richardson has, during his res- idence here erected a number of good buildings. His barns are capacious and well built and his stock sheds are warm and nicely arranged. The home which the mother has made beautiful with the nat- ural instincts of feminine taste and fancy, is a com- fortable dwelling, and the scene of a harmonious home life. < >n the first call for volunteers. — that celebrated appeal made by Lincoln for three hundred thousand men to quell the trouble that the majority of men felt to be of insignificant importance, our subject was one of the first to respond — entering his name for enlistment August, 1801. in Company F, Twenty-seventh Illinois Regiment. His war rec- ord is very full, having taken part in some of the most decisive battles. He was a partici- pant in the battle of Belmont, Mo., also at Island No. 10, Stone River, Mission Ridge, at the siege of Corinth, Chickamauga, Rocky River Ridge Resaca, Adamsville, Dallas, Mud Creek, Kenasaw Mountain. Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta. A mere recapitulation of these battles to the mind of the youth of today conveys comparatively little, but to the veteran each one brings up a picture that is indelibly stamped upon the mind. True, a picture of bloodshed and tragedy, but with occasional gleams of human kindness and even of sentiment and wit. At the battle of Missionary Ridge our subject had his right ear shot off and at the same engage- ment his brother John received his death wound while standing at his side. His body was brought to Shipman Township, and interred by his griev- ing parents and friends. Mr. Richardson served three years and was mustered out of the service at Springfield. III. A man who has lived through such an experience as our subject is ages older than one who has passed his life in undisturbed peace of civil life. He of whom we write loves to ' recount his military experience and being an inter- eating talker finds charmed listeners in the youth j that can only imagine the terrors of war. After I his discharge from the army lie engaged again in agricultural pursuits. Originally a Republican, of late the pure principles of Prohibition have ap- pealed to him so strongly that he has cast the weight of his vote with them. Mi. Richardson has served as School Trustee for some time. Socially, he is a member of Buford Post, No. 246, of the G. A. R. and is also a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. -^= "^a ~SrEi^" 6HARLES EDWARD SMITH, M. D„ one of ., the best known and most prosperous physi- 1 cians of Palmyra, first saw the light in Cats- kill, N. Y. His father, the Rev. Carlos Smith, was born in New Hampshire, ami in turn was the son of a clergyman, the Rev. Ethan Smith, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Thetford, Vt. Here lie had charge of the church for many years. The father of our subject was educated at Union Col- lege Schenectady, N. Y. His first charge was at Manlius. N. Y., from which point he went to Ohio in 183G, and became the pastor of a church at Ak- ron, with whom he remained in harmonious and helpful relations for many years. His death oc- curred there in 1877, when he had reached the ad- vanced age of seventy-six years. His loss was deeply felt in the community where he hail spent so many years of his ministry, and many of his spiritual children followed him in sorrow to the grave. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Susan Saxon. She was a native of Hanover, N. II., and was a true helpmate to her husband in his long life of usefulness. She also passed away in Akron, Ohio, being taken from |ier home by death in 1 889. The son Charles, of whom we write, received his early education and training in Ohio. In 1849 he went to Mississippi and there engaged in teach. ing, putting in all his spare time in the meanwhile in the study of medicine. He continued thus teach- ing and studying in Mississippi until the year 1854, and after a short visit to his home in Ohio he came to Macoupin County, and locating at Cummington at that time a village, now a part of Palmyra, there 570 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. established his practice. He remained there until 1857, and then made his home in Nilwood where he practiced medicine for twenty years. For some years past he has lived in Palmyra and has there built up a large and lucrative practice. The maiden name of the wife of our subject was Jane Gardner. Her native home was Lexington, Kv., and she remained with her husband and chil- dren until March, 1885, when she was taken away from their side by death at Palmyra. Of the three children of this family, Susan is now Mrs. Samuel (Lee) Smith; May is Mrs. John O'Connor and Gertie is at home. Dr. Smith has been since 1851 a member of the Masonic fraternity and he is a member of the Macoupin County Medical So- ciety. # -:- NDREW CRANDAL, of the Arm of An- drews ife Crandal, extensive lumber dealers (fi of (Junker Hill, claims Ohio as the State of his nativity. The date of his birth is Jan- uary 28, 1842, and the place, near Cleveland, Lor- ain County. His father, George Crandal, also a native of Ohio was reared in Lorain County, where he learned and followed the trade of a me- chanic. After becoming of age he married Miss Roena Squier, who was born and reared in the same county. Two children were there born unto them, our subject and Ira, and when the former was thir- teen years of age, the little family removed to La Grange County, Ind„ where about four years were spent when they returned to Huron County, Ohio. One year was there spent and they went to Rich- land County, where the succeeding seven years of their lives were passed. The next home of the family was in Missouri, but after a year we find them located in Montgomery County, 111., wdience they removed to Lincoln, this State, where the father followed the mechanic's trade until his death, which occurred in 1875, at the age of fifty- eight years. In religious belief he was a Metho- dist and in political sentiment, a Republican. His wife, who still survives him, now makes her home with her son Ira, in Denver, Col., at the age of sixty-eight years. She too is a member of the Methodist Church and a lady of many excellencies of character. The days of the boyhood and youth of our sub- ject were spent in various localities, he removing with his parents to their several places of residence, lie was living in Hillsboro when he became of age. He had hardly attained his majority, when on the 20th of September. 1861, he enlisted for the late war as a member of Company II, Ninth Illinois In- fantry, under Capt. Armstrong anil Col. Mercer. The regiment was assigned to the Seventh Brigade of the Army of the Cumberland, and he partici- pated in a number of engagements and skirmishes. After serving for fourteen months and five days he was honorably discharged at St. Louis and returned to his father's home. In 1865, Mr. Crandal was united in marriage with Miss Mary Paulhamus, the union being cele- brated in Lawrence, Henry County. The lady was born in Richland County, Ohio, March 2, 1838, and with her parents removed to Princeton, Bureau County, III. Her father died in Indiana while on his way to this State, being then in the prime of life. The widowed mother with her children con- tinued her journey and settling in Princeton, there made her home for some years. Subsequently she removed to Sharon, Wis., where she died at a ripe old age. Into Mr. and Mrs. Crandal have been born three children, two yet living. The elder, Fred, who graduated from the Bunker Hill city schools, and in 1888 was graduated from the East- man Business College of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which his father had graduated in February, 1864, is now acting as salesman for the firm of Andrews & Crandal. Ira is now attending school, and Kittie died in childhood. After his marriage, Mr. Crandal took up his residence in Lincoln, 111., where he made his home for seventeen years and engaged in business as a contractor and builder. He came to this county from Iola, Allen County, Kan., whither he went in 1880, there spending a year. In 1881, he arrived in Bunker Hill, where he soon engaged in the lum- ber business and subsequently he was manager of the business of the lumber firm of McDaniels & Crandal of Gillespie for eighteen months. In 1884 a partnership was former! between the members of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 571 the firm of Andrews f a family of seven children the original of our sketch was the fifth, he was born in Jessamine County, Ky., March 5, 1816, and came to Macoupin County with his mother when he was a young man. Mr. Dickerson was married in Girard Town ship. December 20, 1841, to Miss Mahala Harlan, a daughter of Mathew Harlan. She was born in Christian County, Ky.; her mother was Mary (Rob- erts) Harlan, a native of North Carolina They removed from Todd County, Ky.. to Sangamon County, III., but lived there only two years, and then changed their abode to Macoupin County, settling in Girard Township where the wife died. The father died in Brushy Mound Township. Mrs. Dickerson was oneof the oldest in a family of nine children. She was born in Christian County, Ky., December 13, 1815. When Martin Dickerson was married he with his bride settled in what is now Shaw's Point Town- ship. They lived there five or six years and then removed to Girard Township. In I860 they settled on section 2, Nilwood Township, where Martin Dickerson, our subject, died Januaiy 3, 1877. Our subject and his wife were the parents of nine child- ren, four of whom are living: George W., Mary C. Edward H., and Thomas R. George W. married Clara Clayton and resides in Nebraska. They have two bright children who are named respectively, Mabel and Minnie. Mary C. is the wife of George Beck. She is the mother of one son, Jesse M. Thomas R. now resides at home and operates the farm. The youngest son, Edmund H., married Ida Langley and resides in Nilwood Township. He is the father of two children, Ethel R. and Edward R. Mr. Dickerson was a man who had won the re- spect and esteem of the community in which he lived. Open hearted and generous he was ever ready to do all in his power for any one who might need his aid. He and his tstimable wife were con- sidered representative people of the township. He was the owner of two hundred acres of improved land and the home that he made thereon was an ideal one of comfort and rural life. S ' » I f2 '"~- ., LEXANDER THOMPSON represents one WLA of the most intelligent families in North Palmyra Township and his line farm ami pleasant home are situated upon section 31. He is a son of Samuel Thompson who was born in Virginia, June 12. 1809, and his mother, Artimesia Hettick was born August 8, 1813, in Ohio. They first settled in Scottvilie Township, but after a short residence there removed to Morgan County, this State and settled on Apple Creek. They continued to reside in Morgan County for some time but finally made their home in Scottvilie Township, where they died, she in 1864, and he in 1870. He of whom we write was the eldest in a family of ten children, and was born in Scottvilie Town- ship, this county, April 24, 1821. He lived with his father until he grew to maturity and established a home of his own. He was happily united in mar riage in South Palmyra Township, March 8, 1860, with Miss Elizabeth Crum, daughter of William and Lydia (Coons) Crum, who spent their last years in South Palmyra Township. Their daughter Elizabeth was born in Clark County, Ind., Septem- ber 10, 1838, and she came with her parents at an early day to Macoupin County. The seven children of Elizabeth and Alexander Thompson are: Elisiia, who married Matilda Zcl- mer; Mary J.; John, who died in infancy; Alfred, Frances E.. Lydia A., and Clara N. Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson died in North Palmyra Township, March 3, 1882. She had been for many years a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in WBRAHV W«VP?Sr** v of — s^Lcui^c/aJzl s^j awry PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAPHICAL RKCORI). 577 which she had labored zealously and in the doc- trines of which she had brought lip her family. Agricultural pursuits have employed the time end energies of Mr. Thompson throughout life ami upon his farm he has erected a pleasant home and commodious barns and outbuildings. lie owns one hundred and eighty acres of land in North Palmyra Township, and has rendered it a prosperous and attractive piece of property. He has been School Director for two years and has filled that office to the satisfaction and profit of the district. His political views have led him to affiliate with the pari}' of Jackson and Jefferson and he takes an intel- ligent interest in public affairs. His children arc- well educated and intelligent and are making their mark in the community. They deserve what they receive, the esteem and respect of their neighbors. ANDAL CLARK. For more than half a century this gentleman has resided upon a farm on section 20, Gillespie Township. Since 1839 he has been the owner of a part of his present farm, and during all the years which have since come and gone, has been not only an eye-witness of the growth and develop- ment of the county, but has also taken a promi- nent part in its upbuilding. As one of the pioneers and most highly esteemed citizens of Macoupin County, we are pleased to present his portrait to our readers. Mr. Clark claims South Carolina as the State of his nativity. The date of his birth is November 30, 1815. and the place Greenville County. Joseph Clark, father of our subject, was also a native of Greenville Count)', and is of Scotch-Irish descent. He grew to manhood upon his father's farm, and serveil as a private during the War of 1812, participating in many important engagements during that struggle. When the country no longer needed his services he returned to h ; s native home, and was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Taylor, who also spent her childhood days in Greenville County. Her father, William Taylor, was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary War, and under fire at many important engagements, including the battle of Cowpens. His fidelity to duty made him a favorite with comrades and officers alike. His last days were spent in Georgia, whcie after a two- years' residence he died at the age of eighty years. His wife survived him four years, and she too was well advanced in years when called- to her final rest. After their marriage Joseph Clark and his wife settled upon a farm in Greenville County, where the husband died at a eompaiatively early age, Ran- dal being then about eight years old. Mrs. Clark afterward came to Illinois and died in Montgomery County, at the age of eighty-seven years. She was a member of the Methodist Church, and a noble Christian woman, whose many graces of character endeared her to the hearts of all. Our subject is the eldest of five children, and has two sisters yet living — Elizabeth, who resides in Dorchester; and Eunice, widow of Lawson Royee, living on a farm which is known as the Clark homestead. At the age of twenty years Randal Clark arrived in this county, and not only was he without capital, but upon him hung an in- debtedness of £50 which he had incurred to pay the expenses of the trip. However, it was not long before he found work as a farm hand, and al- though his wages were very small, he was faithful to his duty, and in course of time became able to purchase a small tract. He entered eighty acres of wild land on section 20, Gillespie Township, which forms a part of his present fine farm, began clear- ing it and in course of time gathered abundant harvests as the reward of his labors. For some years he also devoted considerable attention to stock-raising, breeding good grades of horses and cattle, and in this line materially increased his in- come. As his financial resources were increased he made judicious investments of his capital in real estate, adding to his former purchases until his landed possessions now aggregate more than one thousand five hundred acres in Gillespie Township. Much of this has been cleared and developed by Mr. Randal's own efforts. He has divided it into fields of convenient size, all of which he has sup- , plied with good farm buildings and has it well 578 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRA PI1JCAL RECORD stocked. He also owns considerable property in Kansas, Missouri and elsewhere. Not long after Lis arrival in this county. Mr. (lark was united in marriage with Miss Lucy P. Gray, a Virginia lady, horn in the Old Dominion February 25, 1816. She was only a child when her parents, James and Marian (Ruber) Gray, fol- lowing the course of emigration which was stead- ily flowing Westward, came to Illinois. They traveled overland with teams and spent some years in Sangamon County, whence they came to Macou- pin County, making their home in Hilyard Town- ship until they departed this life. They were members of the old school Baptist Church, and are numbered among the pioneer settlers of this coni- munity. After a long and happy wedded life Mrs. Clark died at her home in Gillespie Township, July 17, 1887. She was the mother of thirteen children, but five are now deceased: Mary, Elizabeth and .lames, all of whom were married, have now passed away; and William and Edward died in childhood. Those who still survive are: Marian, wife of Will- iam Whitfield, a resident farmer of Gillespie Township; Noah, who wedded Rachel Meadows, and lives in Oklahoma; Josephus, who wedded Jane Walker, and carries on farming in St. Clair County, Mo.; Elijah, who was joined in wedlock with Ella Rose, and is engaged in the same pur- suit in Gillespie Township; Best P., a farmer of Texas, first married Miss Dorcas Walker, and after her death wedded Matilda A. Rockenbaugh ; Ann is the wife of Newton Gwin, who is engaged in farming in St. Clair County, Mo.; Lincoln mar- ried Frances Walker, and is a farmer of Gillespie Township; and Isabella completes the family. She is the wife of Orange Walker, and they reside with Mr. Clark on the old homestead. The name of Randal Clark is inseparably con- nected with the county's history. . For fifty-six years he has here resided, and has done his part toward promoting its best interests and aiding in its progress. He has also served as Supervisor of his township, being elected by the Republican party, of which he and his sons are stanch sup- porters. The wild and unimproved prairies he has seen transformed into beautiful homes and farms, has seen towns and villages spring up, witnessed the introduction of the railroads, the telegraph and telephone, seen countless manufactories established and the whole county transformed from an almost barren wilderness to a blooming garden. His life has been such as to win the confidence and regard of all with whom he has come in contact. He is now living a retired life, and for some time has been confined to his room by paralysis, but he bears his misfortune uncomplainingly, and takes pleasure in the enjoyments yet left to him. SSJS3 IIS. HANNAH MITCHELL is well known throughout Brushy Mound Township, and her home has been here for many years. She is now occuping the old homestead on which her husband carried on his work for years, and where she also labored at those employments that fall to the lot of wives and mothers. Her dwelling is made attractive by her geniality and good taste and the spirit of true hospitality and neighborly kindness that actuates her. She was born in Worcester County, Mass., and came this State with her parents when quite small, living with them until her marriage, in 184!t, to Elijah Mitch- ell. This gentleman was one of the earliest set- tlers in Brushy Mound Township, and his name is well remembered by those who are familiar with the former history of this section. The reader is referred to the biographical sketch of William T. Mitchell for facts regarding his life and ances- try. The maiden name of Mrs. Mitchell was Hollings- wortb, and her parents came from England. Her grandfather, George Hollingsworth, ^migrated with his family and spent his last years in Connecticut. John Hollingsworth, father of Mrs. Mitchell, also came this country. He came some five years before his wife and two children and afterward sent for them. He found employment in the woolen mills of New England until about 1838, when he came to this State and settled in Brushy Mound Town- ship, this county. After a few years he sent for family to join him, the) having remained in the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 57U East, and their home was here for several years. During the Civil War Mr. and Mrs. Hollingsworth removed to Minnesota, and the remnant of their days was spent in McLeod County. Mrs. Hollings- worth was in her maidenhood Miss Sarah Hearst, of England. The children born to Mrs. Mitchell were nine in number, and the following lived to manhood and womanhood: Mary, Ansel, Archibald, Nancy, Clinton, Ira and Rietta. al! married but Ira, who lives with his mother, Both parents have endeav- ored to govern their lives aright, being members of the Honey Creek Baptist Church, and every possible opportunity was afforded their children to fit themselves for usefulness in the lines of life they adopted. Mr. Mitchell died August 17, 1877. OI1N E. HART, is a man who has a reputa- tion in the vicinity in which he lives for a zeal and enthusiasm in whatever lie under- takes that usually procures for him the ob- ject for which he is working. He is a man in the prime of life with worlds before him to be con- quered, and as he is ambitious and able, doubtless he will attain whatever he desires, be it in mental, moral, or financial standing. Our subject comes from strong and able families on both sides of the house. His father was John C. Hart who was born in Morgan County this State. His mother was Martha Bull, who was born in North Carolina. They were married in Morgan County, and there settled. From there they came to Macoupin County and located, about 184-1, in North Otter Township, where they died during the War of the Rebellion. They left a family of fen children, of whom our subject is the fourth. Mr. Hart was born in North Otter Township, February 8, 1855. On the death of his parents he went to live in Morgan County with relatives and remained with them until he reached his majority. He soon after married Miss Sarah M. Cherry, their nuptials being celebrated in North Otter Township, June 1, 187G. Mrs. Hart was a daughter of the late Pleasant Cherry, and was born in North Otter Township. She presented her husband with four children, two dying in infancy. Those living are: Nora A. and Moses A. Mrs. Sarah Hart died February 7, 1883, deeply mourned by her husband and children. For a second time Mr. Hart united himself in marriage, his choice being Miss Laura Hunt, their wedding taking place in South Otter Township, December 7, 1881. The present wife of. our sub- ject was the daughter of Amiel and Mary J. ( Bat- tcrsbell) Hunt, who are residents of South Otter Township. Mrs. Hart was born in Pike County, 111., September 27, 1865. They have three chil- dren whose names are, Bessie L., John W., and Fred D. When our subject was first married he lived for a short time in North Otter Township and in 1876, settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns two hundred and nineteen acres of good arable land which is in a fine state of cultivation. Good buildings have been erected thereon and the neat- ness and taste with which they are kept up speak well for their owner. Mr. Hunt is a successful and progressive farmer. Our subject affiliates with the Democratic party giving them the weight of his vote and influence. He has held several positions of trust in thf gift of the county, having been Highway Commissioner and School Trustee. /*g HARLES II. KLAUENBEBG, druggist at f(^, Carlinvil ^9^(' prising young business men of this county. iville, is one of the popular and enter- g young business men of this county. He is a native of this city, and a son of Charles Klauenberg, one of its former well-known residents. His father was born in Grossen FIoei.be, Hanover, Germany, in June, 18211. He in turn was a son of Conrad Klauenberg, who was born in the same lo- cality, as was also his father, whose given name was David, who was a farmer, and a lifelong resident of his birthplace. The grandfather of our subject was a stone and plaster mason by trade, and carried on his occupation in the Old Country until 1854, 580 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. when lie emigrated to America, and coming to this county made his home in Carlinville his remaining days, following his trade during his active life. The father of our subject attended school steadily in his native town until he was eighteen years old, thus obtaining a good education. He then learned the t.-ade of a barber, and as was the custom used to practice as a surgeon in connection with his calling. In 1852 he came to this country, and for a time was a resident of New Orleans, whence he came to Carlinville in the spring of 1853. Carlinville was then bu'» a small place, and the business as a barber that he established here grew with the growth of the village. In 1854 he had made money enough to warrant him in purchasing a lot on West Main Street. the same that our subject now occupies, and here he erected the first building ever put upon the street, the city jail excepted. He had started with one chair, but his business in- creased and he put in another chair, and soon bought a stock of cigars. In 1861 he turned his attention to the drug busi- ness, which he carried on successfully until his death in 1873. During his many years residence in this city, he had won his way to an honorable place among the solid business men, and there were none more worthy of respect than he. He was a sinule man when he came here, but he soon met and wooed for his wife Miss Catherine Zengle, a native of Marjoss, Hesse-Cassel, German}'. She came to America when a young lady, bravely setting out in the wide world alone, unaccompanied bv any of her friends or relatives. She landed at St. Louis with but a few dollars in her pocket, and there she married Mr. Klauenberg, and proved herself a worthy helpmate and true wife. She died in 1888. She was the mother of two children, Lillie and our subject. Lillie is the wife of II. A. Steinmeyer. Charles Klauenberg gained the preliminaries of his education in the city schools, and at the age of fourteen entered Blackburn University, where he pursued a fine course of study. When not in school he assisted his father, and at the age of seventeen commenced business for himself, and has been ac- tively engaged since that time, with the exception of three years when he was in ill health. During that time his building was burned, and he erected the two story brick that he now occupies on the spot where his father first built. His store is neatly and tastefully fitted up, and he carries a full stock of drugs, stationery, school books, etc., and com- mands an extensive trade. Mr. Klauenberg and Miss Maggie Winter were married in June, 1876. Mrs. Klauenberg is a na- tive of Keyport. N. J., and is a daughter of Conrad and Mergerch Winter,natives respectively of Ger- many and Ireland. Our subject and his wife have two children living, Leo and Grace. Nellie, their second child, died at the age of two years. Our subject is wide-awake and progressive, and is an important factor in helping to carry forward the business interests of his native city. He is a man of social prominence, and is a member of the following organizations: was charter member of Orient Lodge, No. 95, K. of P.; Silver Lodge, No. 924, K. of II.; and belongs to the camp of Modern Woodmen of America. 1LLIAM N. Bl'DD. It is always pleasant to record the success attending upon the yyj efforts of an intelligent and energetic man. One of the most successful business men in Bunker Hill Township is William N. Budd. He was born of English parents in Brighton Township, this county, in the year 1853. He has lived for the greater part of his life in the county with the ex- ception of four years, when he enjoyed the unu- sual advantage of school life in an English university town. He is the owner of the leading drug house in Bunker Hill. This business was originally established in the fall of 1874 under the firm title of Budd Bios., succeeding that of Dr. S. V. Hale, who had conducted the business for twelve years prior to this time. In, Inly, 1889 our sub- ject bought out the brother's interest since which time he has conducted the business single handed. Mr. Budd has a large and line assortment of drugs, school books, stationery, paints, oils, perfumes and toilet articles. He is indefatigable in his attention and efforts in a business way. Mr. Budd's wife was Mrs. Julia B. Dorsey, nee PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 581 Hornsby, daughter of one of the prominent phy- sicians and old settlers, who is still living in this place. Mrs. Budd's family is from old Kentucky, that land of fine horses, Bourbon whisky and beau- tiful women. She was reared, however, in this county. By her former marriage she has one daughter, Lydia C. Dorsey. Socially, Mrs. Budd holds a place among the most prominent ladies of the city. She is a well-educated and charming woman, presiding with grace and dignity over the beautiful home that her husband lias built in Bunker Hill. It is one of the finest residences in the city, a two-story brick, with wide verandas and all the modern conveniences that the present style of liv ing demands. A beautiful lawn stretches away in front of the house and is gay with many colored flowers. Mr. and Mrs. Budd are prominent members of the Episcopal Church of which they are liberal sup- porters. Our subject has been Junior Warden of his church for some years. In politics he is a sound Democrat and in 1884 was elected the Col- lector of the Township. lie is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Charter Oak Lodge, No. 251 and of the Encampment, Barry Lodge, No. 51, both of Bunker Hill. Mr. Budd has been honored by being elected successively to the Chair of each of the orders. GEORGE VANIMAN. Broad-minded and intelligent men who can take a just view of ^^jl the possibilities of their section of country, and who are intelligent enough to work from the outset for those principles which will tend to the ultimate prosperity of the State, are of great value in any community. Such men are public-spirited enough to lay aside petty differences and be willing to adjust matters upon a sound basis which will be for the good of all, and they thus work most effec- tively for the benefit of the section of country in which they make their homes. Such a man is George Vaniman, who resides on section 16, Virden Township, the son of Jacob Vaniman, a Pennsylvania:!, and Mary Bowman, a native of Ohio. These parents settled in Mont- gomery County, Ohio, and it became their home through life. They carefully brought up and edu- cated to the best of their ability the nine children who were granted to them, and the fourth among that number was our subject, who was born Octo- ber 18, 1832, in Montgomery County, Ohio. There he was reared to a sturdy and efficient manhood, and there he continued to live until the spring of 1866, when lie came to this county and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of rich and fertile soil, situated in Girard and Virden Townships. His life training and life work have been upon the farm with the exception of about three or four years, when he was engaged in milling in Montgomery County, Ohio. With general farming he has also devoted himself largely to stock-raising. The happy marriage of George Vaniman and Louisa Decker, was celebrated in Goshen, Ind., early in the summer of 1864. The bride is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Alwine) Decker, who made their home in Elkhart County, Ind., and there spent their later years. Their daughter, Louisa was born near Johnstown, Pa., April 26, 1843. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Vaniman lived upon the old home farm in Montgomery County, Ohio, until 1866, when they came to Macoupin County. Upon their beautiful farm they have an excellent set of farm buildings, most of which Mr. Vaniman has placed there. These are not only- pleasing to the eye, but most conveniently arranged and well adapted to the purposes for which they are intended. The house is an attractive one, the barns a. - e first-class, and the smaller buildings are snug and comfortable. Four sturdy sons have come to Mr. and Mrs. Vaniman, whom they have trained carefully through their childhood years, and upon whom they may well hope to lean when they have to go down the shady side of life. They are: Chester C, Elmer E., Calvin and Vernon. Chester C. is a teacher of mu- sic in Indiana, where he is making his mark among the young professional men of the day; Elmer is Still a student, and a bright and capable one, in McPherson College at McPherson, Kan.; Calvin and Vernon are still at home under the parental roof, and are carrying on their education in the .182 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. local schools. The offlje of Highway Commis- sioner is one which Mr. Vaniman has filled well and acceptably, and much to the gratification of bis neighbors. Perhaps few men have more fully the solid endorsement of their fellow-citizens than this able and public-spirited man. #^ KPTIMrs s - WOODWARD. One of the ^£ successful business establishments in Carlin- Wj| ville is that of wllicl1 Mr - Woodward is — is President, It is the S. S. Woodward Hardware Company, well stocked with a carefully- selected assortment of goods, and business there is conducted according to honorable methods and straightforward principles. The store is well-known to all who trade in Carlinville, as it has been estab- lished since in 1861, and the proprietor can look back over a successful career. Mr. Woodward is a Eentuckian by birth but has lived in this State since his infancy and has no recollection of his birthplace. His natal day was January 28, IK.'W, and his parents were Henry and Mary (Bell) Woodward. Both were born in Kentucky and the mother died in Winchester, Scott County, in 1849. The father closed his eyes in death in 185.'i, in Pittsfield, Pike County, this State, where he was engaged in the grocery trade. The father was one of the pioneers of that county and until 1842 was engaged in farming, first near Griggsville and later at Winchester. He also gave some attention to the trade of a tobacconist, which he had learned in his native State. As the parents of our subject were in limited circumstances it was necessary for the lad to aid in the support of the family as soon as he was strong enough. He worked on the farm until he was six- teen years old, then began working out by the day, receiving seventy-five cents and boarding himself. After spending aycar in this manner he became an apprentice at the tinner's trade in Winchester. After a few months he changed to Naples, where he completed a three years' apprenticeship, receiv- ing bis board and $35 the first year, and each suc- ceeding year $5 more than the last. He clothed himself from the small amount and at the termina tion of his apprenticeship was square with the world. Mr. Woodward at once began work as a jour- neyman and in 1856 came to Carlinville where for five years he labored thus. In the meantime he had been industrious and economical and had paid for a comfortable home. In 1861 he mortgaged the property and with the proceeds purchased a stock of hardware and embarked in business. Close attention to the business and prudence in all its details resulted in success, and from year to year Mr. Woodward has seen his financial condi- tion improve. The marriage of Mr. Woodward and Elizabeth B. Trumbull took place January 8, 185:5. The bride was born in Griggsville, l'ike County, and is a daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah (Bickford) Trumbull, pioneers of that place and natives of Massachusetts. To Mr. and Mrs. Woodward six children have come, who are named respectively, Mary A , Nellie May and Charles T. Lora, May and Kattie are deceased. The eldest daughter, Mary A , is the wife of Edwin C. Barber, who is connected with Mr. Woodward in the hardware company; Nellie married J. W. O'Brien, and Charles is associated with his father in business. Mr. Woodward exercises the elective franchise in favor of candidates on the Democratic ticket. He belongs to Carlinville Lodge, I. 0. 0. F. Public life hits no charms for him, but he has been a member of the Common Council, yielding to the wishes of his neighbors. He and his estimable wife are well respected, and in business circles Mr. Woodward has hieh standing. AMES MORRISON, a resident of Virden, was formerly for many years actively en- gaged in business as a wide-awake, practica] farmer, and so successful was he in carrying on his operations he acquired a good amount of property, and in due time retired to his present home, that he might enjoj' his wealth at his leisure, free from the cares and labors that beset his early life. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 583 Mr. Morrison was born in Chester County. Pa., near the town of Kimballville, May 8. 1811. His father was Alexander Morrison, and he was also a native of that count} - , while his father, James Mor- rison, was of Irish birth. He came to America with his family in Colonial times, and settled in Pennsylvania. He offered his services to his adopted country during the Revolution, and fought bravely in the ranks of the Continental Army. He was a fanner by occupation, and carried on agri- culture in Chester County, Pa., where he died at a ripe age. The father of our subject grew to manhood in his native State, and continued to reside there un- til 1816, when he removed to Ohio with his wife and three children, going thither with teams, taking household goods along cooking and camping by the way whenever it was deemed expedient. He at first took up his residence in the forest wilds of Jefferson County, but in 1828 he went to Seneca County, and cast in his lot with its pioneers, buy- ing a tract of timber land three miles from Tiffin on which to build up a new home. He erected a log cabin to shelter his family, and actively entered upon the task of clearing a farm. At that time timber was of but little value, and large logs that would now bring a good price were rolled together and burned to get rid of them. There were no rail- ways for some years after the Morrisons moved to that part of the country, and Sandusky City, forty miles distant from their home, was the principal market and depot for supplies. Deer, wild turkeys and other kinds of game offered the settlers a plea- sing variation from their usual fare. Mr. Morrison in time developed a choice farm, on which he lived until his death in 1847. His widow survived him until 1852, when she too passed away, dying on the home farm in Seneca County, Ohio. In her maiden days her name was Mary Beadle. She was born in Chester County, Pa. Her parents were natives respectively of Wales and Pennsylvania. Our subject is one of a family of ten children, seven sons and three daughters. lie was about five years old when bis parents removed to Ohio, and he was reared under pioneer influences. His education was obtained in the primitive schools of Jefferson and Seneca counties, which were taught (in the subscription plan, each family paying ac- cording to the number of scholars sent. Log cabins were used as school-houses; the seats were made of puncheon; a log was taken out from the wall and greased paper pasted over the hole thus made admitted the light, while a huge fire-place served to heat the building. Our subject's life was much like that of other farmer's boys at that period, and as soon as large enough he was taught to make himself useful on the farm. In his youth all grain was cut by a sickle until the invention of the cradle, which was considered a great improve- ment. Mr. Morrison continued to live with his parents until his marriage, when he rented land for some years. In 1854 he came to this State, and entered three hundred and twenty acres of Government land in Harvel Township, Montgomery County, upon which he immediately erected a dwelling and other suitable buildings. The surrounding country was then but little improved, and his as- sistance in developing the agricultural resources of that region was invaluable. He fenced his entire tract of land, and from time to time bought other land until he had a large farm, upon which he had placed many substantial improvements ere he sold it in 1866. After disposing of that property at a good price he purchased other land in the same county, and was very much prospered in his under- takings, so much so that in 1885 he was enabled to abandon active labor, as Le was in possession of a handsome competence, and since that lime he has lived. in retirement at Yirden, having first sold his land in Montgomery County for a round sum of money. The marriage of our subject with Miss Rachel L, Evans, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Walter and Nellie (Cross) Evans, was solemnized February 22, 1832. It was fraught with much happiness to both husband and wife, and they lived together mutually helping each other to bear sor- row when it came to them, and sharing such joys as fell to their lot, for nearly thirty -eight years, when death parted them January 17, 1870, by call- ing the devoted wife to that dreamless sleep that knows no waking this side of the grave. Fourteen 584 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. children were born of that union, of whom nine grew to maturity, namely, Walter A., .lames H., Mary E., Caroline, Laura. Melissa, Rachel E., Theodore and William Sidney. Mr. Morrison's cheerful disposition, kindly thoughtfulness for others, and excellent qualities of head and heart have gained him a warm place in the hearts of his neighbors and other friends. In his course as a farmer lie displayed those traits of perseverance, foresight and business tact that are necessary to carry on any calling so as to obtain success. He has always fulfilled the duties of citizenship intelligently and loyally. In politics, he is closely identified with the Republicans. Dur- ing his residence in Pitman Township, he was oc- casionally called to hold important offices, and he did good service as Collector and Assessor, and also as a member of the District School Board. He was appointed Postmaster of Herndon during James Buchanan's administration which office he retained for twelve or fifteen years. ROBERT B. SHIRLEY, a lawyer of good « repute located in Carlinville, has been act- ively engaged in the practice of his profes- sion since 1878. As he has been located in Carlinville since that time, his name is well known here, and the number of clients who visit his office will compare favorably with that which call upon any lawyer in the county. He is well grounded in the principles of law and equity, has a fine knowl- edge of the precedents established in the courts, and the ability to present causes in such a manner as to impress the facts upon his hearers. The reader is referred to another page for items regarding his parents — the Hon. William C. and Mary .T. Shirley. The birthplace of Mr. Shirley was a farm on Silver Creek in Madison County, and his natal day October 9, 1850. He is the oldest living son of his parents, and was but an infant when they came to this county. He was reared on a farm and acquired an education by attending the district and other schools whenever it was possible. In the intervals of study he was kept busy on the farm, and grew to a vigorous manhood both physically and mentally. When twenty-two years old Mr. Shirley began the study of his chosen profession in the office of Judge William R. Welch, and in July, 187G, he passed the requisite examination and was admitted to the bar. After a brief interval he formed a partnership with S. T. Corn and the two gentlemen carried on their legal work together until 188G, when Mr. Corn was appointed Territorial Judge of Wyoming by President Cleveland and removed thither. Since that time Mr. Shirley has practiced alone. His former partner has remained in the Northwest and now makes his home in Evanston, Wyo. Mr. Shirley's wife was Miss Etta W. Burton, only living daughter of Henry W. and Laura Bur- ton, of whom further mention is made in the biog- raphy of Frank W. Burton. The marriage rites were solemnized October 16, 1879. Mr. Shirley belongs to SL".unton Lodge, No. 177, E. k A. M., and St. Omar Commandeiy, No. 30, K. T., of Litch- field, lie is a Democrat and his first Presidential ballot was for Horace Greeley. His legal reputa- tion is indicated by the fact that he has been City Attorney three terms and Master in Chancery one term. He was one of the original stock-holders in the Carlinville National Bank and at the organiza- tion in May, 1 890, was elected Director. 5~«— *v- GEORGE L. BROWN, residing on section 30, Carlinville Township, who is one of the representative men of Macoupin County, was born in Berkshire County, Mass. His early youth and manhood were spent in Massachusetts, New York and Virginia till 1852, when he came West and settled in Morgan and Scott Counties, 111., where for a period of several years he was suc- cessfully engaged in mercantile pursuits. In Jan- uary, 1863, he entered the service of the Govern- ment and for three years was Paymaster in the army. In 1871 he settled in Carlinville, 111., where he made extensive and valuable improve- OF THE UUIVP*i->"-- , JH£ #—1^X7 /^Z^^/ #-»L~ 64^/zy (flft^T^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 58? men is, not only in the city but in the country adjacent and is the owner of valuable city and country properly. His first marriage took place in Litchfield County, Conn., to Miss Mary L. Couch, a native of that county. Three children were horn to them, two sons and one daughter, who were graduates of Blackburn University. Howard S., the eldest, was married to Miss Dora M. liettersworth, daughter of Dr. Bettersworth, of Carlinville, was formerly en- gaged in the land and loan business, lie died July 8. 1890; Charles W., the second son, who is a law- yer in Rapid City, S. Dak., married Miss Adella (ioie, daughter of Hon. David Gore, of Carlinville. Caroline I. is the wife of John II. Robinson, of Pu- eblo, Col. Mrs. Mary L. Brown, who was great iy esteemed for her many lovable qualities of mind and heart, gently passed to her everlasting rest at El Paso, Tex., February G, 1889. His present wife was formerly Mrs. E. M. Whittaker, widow of the late Dr. Whittaker, of New Jersey. Mr. Brown is a believer in Republican principles and formerly has taken an active part in political affairs. He is also a believer in the doctrines of Christianity and is a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has filled some of the important offices. In the home of our subject one can well note the air of culture and refinement which there exists. Macoupin County can boast of many excellent men and Mr. Brown takes high rank with those whose memories should be perpetuated and kept green. HON S. CARTER. Postmaster of Hornsby and a general merchant at Clyde Station, i!) is one of the prominent and influential citizens of Cahokia Township. lie claims New York as the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Leyden. Lewis County, Novem- ber 24, 1840, and he is the eldest of six children, whose parents were Loyal W. and Lucy (Pose) Carter. The father was a native of Berlin. Conn., and belongs to an old family of the Nutmeg State, Of New England ancestry. The mother came of an old respected family of Middlehury, Yl. After their marriage they located in Leyden, living on a farm in that locality until 1849, when they removed to Batavia. N. Y., and spent the remainder of their lives at that place; there the father died at the age of seventy. three years. They were leading and respected people of the community, were members of the Presbyterian Church and in political senti- ment Mr. Carter was a Republican. Our subject spent his early life in the State of his nativity and was educated in the common schools. While still single he emigrated Westward, taking up his resilience at Clyde, and at Kinder- hook, Pike County, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Churchill, a native of that place, born February 10, 1840. Her parents, Melvin ami Sarah (Hornor) Churchill, were natives of New York and Ohio respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in Pike County, 111., where Mr. Church- ill had located at the age of sixteen years, emigrat- ing Westward with his father, who was one of the first settlers of the county and laid out the town of Kinderhook. He became an extensive landowner, acquired considerable wealth and was a man of prominence and celebrity in that part of the State, lie died at, the age of forty-five years and his wife passed away March 19, 1888, at the age of sixty- six. Mrs. Carter remained at home with her parents until her marriage. She received excellent educa- tional advantages, was for some time a student in the female college of Batavia, N. Y., and prior to her marriage successfully engaged in teaching. She figures prominently in social circles and the home over which she presides with so much grace is the abode of hospitality. Both Mr. and Mrs. Carter are members of the Methodist Church and are active workers in the Master's vineyard. Five children have been born unto them but two are now deceased — Nellie May and Nellie Maude. Leo M. is now assisting his father in the store and Harold S. and Cleon C. are at home. Mr. Carter has held the position of Postmaster of Hornsby since 1871, with the exception of one year dur- ing President Cleveland's administration. In pol- ities he is a sound Republican, who warmly advo- cates the party principles and does all in bis power 588 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. for its success. In 1874 he embarked in general merchandising and now has a good store, carrying a full line of groceries and dry goods. From the beginning his trade has constantly increased and owing to his earnest desire to please his customers, his genial manner and his fair dealing, lie has won a liberal patronage of which he is well deserving. The attention of the reader is directed to a lith- ographic portrait of Mr. Carter, presented in this connection. IKA RS. REBECCA VARBLE is a Southerner I \\\ by birth, and education. Her father was III w Isaac Irwin who was a native of North * Carolina. Her mother was Rachel (Glas- cock) Irwin, also a native of the same State. After their marriage they settled in their native State for a time and then emigrated to Illinois, first settling in Greene County, where they died. A large fam- ily of children had come to gladden their last days; they were ten in number of whom Mrs. A'arble was the eldest. She was born in North Carolina, De- cember 6, 1823 and was only about eight 3'ears old when her parents came to Greene County. Airs. Varble remained under the home roof until she had reached womanhood, and was married from the home of her father, December 3, 1846, to Philip Varble. Her husband's father was John Varble, a native of Kentucky as was also her mother, Sarah Admire Varble. They came here from Kentucky and settled in Greene County, at an early day. The father died in Montgomery County and the mother in Greene County. The husband of our subject, Philip Varble, was born near Louisville, Ky., June 14, 1821; while yet a boy lie emigrated with his parents to Greene County, where he met the lady to whom he was afterward married. The young couple continued to live in the place where they first settled for nineteen years when they came to Macoupin County, in the year 1865, and settled in Nil'.vood Township. He was a farmer bv bringing up and choice, and at the time of his death he owned a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he placed valuable im- provements. His death took place December 18, 1884, and caused a void in the family which will always be felt, both by the widow and their chil- dren. Mr. Varble was liberal in his religious views and was a generous supporter of the Methodist Church. Our subject is the mother of eleven children. They are: Harriet, James F., Sarah E., Emily, Laura, Eliza, Mattie, Lucy, Ida, Katie and Thomas P. The eldest daughter is the wife of George Corry; James F. took to wife Mary Murphy; Emily died when about twenty-one years of age; Laura is the wife of Christ Remling; Eliza, is the wife of George Long; Mattie became the wife of Joseph T. Bay- less; Lucy is the wife of John Dorsey and Ida is the wife of Frank Plummer. Mrs. Varble is a member of the Christian Church and in her daily life she is an exemplary example of the teachings of the Golden Rule, her delight being to do for others. -i- % -*- I /AMES W. DROKE was a farmer who set- tled in Macoupin County in 1855, and who resided there continuously until 1888. He was a native of Sullivan County, Tenn., and a son of William and Tabitha Droke. The family came to Illinois in 1855, and the father died in this county about 1882, and the mother subse- quently died in McPherson, Kan., in 1888. The early years of our subject were passed upon the farm, and here he arrived at early manhood. In 1857 he married Abigail R., a daughter of Wesley and Susan (Range) Butler, natives of Tennessee, in which State Abigail was born November 25, 1833. The family came to Illinois in 1842, and settled on a farm near Scottville, where the mother died, leaving six children. The father married a second time and there were three children by this mar- riage. When our subject and his young wife began life for themselves they set up housekeeping near Scottville, but in 1861 they removed to a farm near Carlinville. The Civil War now broke out and Mr. Droke, like other young men, felt the call of duty to go to the help of his country. He PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 589 enlisted in 1862, and was mustered into service in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illi- nois Infantry. During' his three years' service lie was neither wounded nor taken prisoner and at the close of the war lie was enabled to resume his usual avocations. In 1866 he settled on section 1. Western Mound Township, where he purchased two hundred and five acres and subsequently added one hundred and sixty more. Six of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Droke are now living, namely: Jannie, Mrs. Al- baugh; Martha A., who married Carman Gavett, and who died in 1889; Elizabeth E., Mrs. Thomas Dawson; Susan Ida; John E.; and Norah I., Mrs. Dawson. Politically Mr. Droke was a Republican but was not a politician in the ordinary sense of the word. He was ever ready to serve his fellow- citizens and acted upon the School Board for sev eral years. He was also a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he gave considerable lime for thirty years. The war record of our subject is as follows. He was enrolled August 13, 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois Infantry, and discharged July 15, I860, at Mobile, Ala., in com- pliance with general orders Nos. 64 and 94 from the War Department, bearing date May 15, 1865. He took part in the battles of Parker's Cross Roads December 21, 1862, and at Tupelo Decem- ber 15 to 16, 1864. Mrs. Droke still resides on the homestead and is universally respected and esteemed by her neighbors. fjOHN D. SCHROEDER, who is numbered among the early settlers of Macoupin County of the year 1854, is now engaged in gen- eral farming on section 7, Dorchester Town- ship, where he owns a good farm of eighty acres. lie claims Germany as the land of his nativity, having been born in the Province of Hanover, September 24, 1830. There were but two children in the family, himself and a brother, Henry, who died in Germany. The parents, J. Adam and Dora (Temka) Schroeder, were also natives of the same Province. The father died in the prime of life, after which the mother was again married, becom- ing the wife of Henry Neimeier. They resided in Hanover on a farm until her death, which occurred at the age of fifty-five years, after which Mr. Neimeier crossed the Atlantic to America and died at the home of his son Fred, in Gillespie Township, this county, in 1888, at the age of seventy-one years. The parents of our subject and also Mr. Neimeier were members of the Luth- eran Church. John I). Schroder, whose name heads this sketch, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native Province, where he remained until twenty- four years of age, when he determined to seek his fortune in America. Bidding good-by to home and native land, he took passage upon the vessel "Neptune," which sailed in the spring of 1854, from Bremen to New Orleans, where after a voy- age of forty days the vessel was anchored. Pro- ceeding up the river to S-,. Louis, he then made his way to Macoupin County, and since then has lived within her borders. As he was without money, he began to work as a farm hand and served in that capacity for a time until he rented land. By industry and economy he secured some capital and at length purchased his present farm in 1876, which has been his home since 1881. As before staled, it comprises eighty acres of good land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved, being furnished with good build- ings and all the accessories of a model farm. The stock which he raises is also of excellent grades, and he is numbered among the leading and pro- gressive farmers of the community. Mr. Schroeder has been twice married. In Bun- ker Hill he was joined in wedlock with Miss Cath- erine Erich, who was born in Holstein, Germany, and in her maidenhood came alone to this country. She spent two years in Cleveland, Ohio, and came to Bunker Hill, where she was afterward married. She died in that city some twenty-eight years later, in the faith of the German Methodist Church, of which she had for some years been a member. Of the eight children born of her marriage four are now deceased — one who died in infancy; William and Elizabeth, who died in childhood; 590 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ami John P., who at his death left a wife and one child. Charles married Gusta Doehring and is fen engineer in a coal mine in Mt. Olive, III.; Henry, who married Laura Doehring, is employed in the same capacity as his brother; Dora is the wile of Benjamin Pepper, who lives on a farm near Ohlman Station; and Anna, who is at home. For a second wife Mr. Schroeder wedded Eliza Hespe, a native of Hanover, who when a young lady ac- companied her brother Christopher to America and made her home in Bunker Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder are both members of the German Meth- odist Church and in politics he is a Democrat. For his integrity and sterling worth he is held in high regard in business circles and both rank liigli in the social world. <[|=z>REDERICK BUMANN, Mayor of Bunker I— ?/ . ^DSr-. sHHf"!^* ^ eT. DRIPPS, A. M., M. D., a leading and successful physician of the Allopathic school, who for ten years has engaged in practice in Staunton, was born not far from that city, October 19, 1850. Tradition tells a curious story about the origin of the name of Dripps. The family was Scotch and they were known by the name of Sel- don. However religious persecution at one time caused them to flee from their home to escape the wrath of the King of England and they took refuge in a cave. This cave leaked and when the Seldon family emerged with wet clothing they were called by strangers "Drips." Ever afterwards they re- tained the name which has come down to our sub- ject with only the change of an additional p. Thomas Dripps, the father of the Doctor, was born in Ireland and when a young man sailed to the United States. He settled in Staunton Township, Macoupin County, 111., where he began life as a farmer and wedded Miss Mary A. Patterson, who was also an early settler of the county. He bought and improved a good farm which he made his home for some years, when he retired to Staunton where he and his worthy wife are yet living at an advanced age. They are members of the Reform Presbyterian Church and are highly respected people. The Doctor is one of quite a large family. He lived at home and aided in the farm work until wishing to acquire a better education than die common schools afforded he entered Monmouth College, of Monmouth, 111., from which he was graduated in the Class of '75, carrying off the first honors in English literature. He wa3 a diligent student and won the confidence and regard of the faculty. He was one of the originators of the idea of giving oratorical contests, which is now one of the leading features in the colleges of this State. He graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and some years later, in 1880, the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him, he being the first native citizen of Staunton Township to receive that de- gree. When his literary education was completed he was appointed by the prison warden, Maj. R. W. McClaughry, to a position in the hospital of the State Prison at Joliet. Here he acquired con- siderable knowledge of medicine, and in 1879, he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated in the Class of '80. In 1889, Dr. Dripps was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary L. Bley, who was born in Rock Island, III., June 10, 1859, and is the youngest child of Dr. George Bley. (See sketch of Dr. Robert E. Bley.) Almost her entire life has been passed in this county where she lived with her parents until she gave her hand in marriage to Dr. Dripps. She is a lady possessed of many graces and excellencies of character and figures prominently in the social circles of Staunton. She is also a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church and for some years has been connected with the church choir. The Doctor takes considerable interest in civic societies and is Past Master of Staunton Lodge, No. 177, A. F. & A. M.; also a member of Litchfield Commandery, No. 30, K. T. In Staunton Lodge, No. 685, I. O. O. F., he is Past Noble Grand, and in politics he is a stalwart Republican. Soon after his graduation Dr. Dripps located in Staunton and began the practice of medicine on his own account. Later he bought out Dr. R. E. Bley in the firm of Bley Bros., and in June, 1888, the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 603 linn name was changed to Drs. Bley & Dripps. Since this connection was formed they have en- joyed a fine practice and are ranked among the leading medical firms of the count}'. Dr. Dripps is a learned, scholarly gentleman of genial character and has many warm and admiring friends among his large circle of acquaintances. KNRY E. WHITTLER. The German- American citizens who have made their homes in Macoupin County have done (jjjy) much in many ways to advance the material prosperity of this section. Their steady and per- severing industry, their thrift and frugality have not been without effect in bringing prosperity to the county. Their neat and thoroughly cultivated farms are productive and their good business habits have helped forward the commercial rela- tions of this region of the State. Henry E. Whittler, who resides on section 15, Viiden Township, was born in Bremen, Germany, on the 30th April, in the year of 1830. His parents emigrated to America in the fall of 1842 and land- ing in New Orleans came on to St. Louis, Mo., where the}' resided for a short tune. After four months there they went to Perry County, that Stale, where they remained nearly eighteen years. Illinois proved more attractive to this family than Missouri, as they loved the air of freedom and did not choose to bring up their son in a slave State. In 1860 they came to Sangamon County and after residing in Springfield for a short time, came in the spring of that year to Macoupin County, and settled in Virden Township, where they spent the remainder of their days. The fath- er's name was John D. Whittler and the mother bore the maiden name of Adelina Crumb. They had but one child who is the subject of this bio graphy, and has always since the spring of I860 been a resident of Macoupin County, where he has carried on farming and placed his one hundred and sixty acres in an excellent state of cultivation and erected upon it good improvements. Henry Whittler was united in the holy bonds of matrimony June 13, 1852 with Elizabeth Schriner at her home in Perry County. Mo. Mrs. Whittler was born September 23, 1833, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and came across the ocean with her parents when she was a Utile child of four years old. Her father was John Schriner and her mother Katherina (Ollcy) Schriner. The}' made their home in Perry County, Mo., anil there spent their last days. Eight living children bless the home of Mr. and Mis. Whittler. The sons are: Philip J., Henry E., William, Benjamin V. and Edward. The daugh- ters are: Mary, Sophia and Minnie. Three little ones passed away in infancy. Katie became the wife of John Eifert and died in Girard, III. in January, 1885. Adelina was the wife of Paul Eifert, and died in Elgin, III. Philip J. has mar- ried Miss Nora Lilly; Henry E. has taken to wife Miss Nettie Davidson; Mary married Mr. James Kidgeway; and Sophia is the wife of George Wil- ucki. The gentleman of whom we write is wide-awake in regard to the political movements of our coun- try and earnestly espouses the doctrines and policy of the Democratic part}', taking an active part in local movements and supporting the candidates of that party. The esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens is indicated by the fact that they have placed him in the office of High Commission- er and that they have insisted upon his filling tor fifteen years the responsible position of Justice of the Peace. In these capacities he has served the community with good sense and good judgment and has powerfully aided in maintaining the peace of the neighborhood. *~^ -<«— ^wjOHN DOWZER, who is now carrying on a large coopering establishment where barrels are manufactured for the Staunton Milling Company, began business in this line soon after locating in this place in 1868. He purchased a cooper shop of Mr. McAllister, and soon built up an excellent trade. So rapidly did his business increase'that it soon became one of the leading in- GOT PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. dustries of the county and furnished employment to thirty men, while the daily output was about four hundred barrels. The greater pari of these were for the exclusive use of the Royal Gem Mills Com- pany and he continued to supply them until 1882, when the mill was blown up. For about ten years afterward he lived a retired life, doing little busi- ness until 1891, when he again opened a cooper shop near the coal shaft of the Wabash depot, where he now follows his trade. He supplies the entire demand of the Staunton Milling Company and has a good business. As Mr. Dowzer is widely known throughout this community we feel that a sketch of his lh'e will be received with interest by many of our readers. He was born among the hills of Wicklow County, lie- land, on the 18th of Dec-ember, 183(1, and belongs to a family which was originally of English origin. His ancestors emigrated from England to t lie Em- erald Isle during the Conquest. Michael Dowzer, father of our subject was born in Ireland, and when a young man learned the trade of a cooper, which he followed throughout his entire lite in connection with the occupation of fanning. In the county of his nativity he remained until his death, which occurred at a ripe old age. He mar- ried Miss Sarah Hopkins, a lady of Irish birth who also spent her entire life in her native land. Both were members of the Episcopal Church and were highly respected people. Mid play and work John Dowzer spent his boy- hood days and when a youth, entering his father's shop, he learned the trade of a cooper, which he has since followed in pursuit of fortune. Believing that the new world afforded better advantages to young men than the old countries, he determined to emigrate to America and in 1850 crossed the broad ocean, locating in Toronto, Canada. Sub- sequently he crossed the line into '•Free America.'' and after spending a tew years in the South, came to Macoupin County, III, in 1868. In Staunton, Mr. Dowzer was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary (Carson) Smith who was born in Ireland, and when young came to America. Almost her entire life has been passed in St. Louis and in the city where she yet makes her home. She has been a faithful wife and a true helpmate to her husband and is a lady of intelligence and worth. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dowzer are identified with the Covenan- ters Church of Scotland. Their union has been blessed with three children, a son and two daugh- ters — Mollie I).. John C. and Maggie. The son is now assisting his father in his business. Mr. Dow- zer is a self-made man who began life without cap- ital and has worked his way steadily upward, over- coming by a determined will and energy the ob- stacles in his path, until he has reached a proud posi- tion and is numbered among the substantial citi- zens of the community. •> EORGE II. CLARK. Postmaster and gen- eral merchant at Piasa, one of the native- born citizens of this county and has been identified with its interests since he was able to understand what lay before him in the way of man's work and obligations. He was born March 7. 1852, ami is a son of Edward B. and Nancy (Park- er) Clark, of whom a sketch is given on another page in this Record. 1 1 is birth-place was in Ship- man Township and his early life was passed on his father's farm. His fundamental education was obtained in Piasa. and he attend the Illinois State Normal University at Normal two terms. Taking up the profession of teaching, he devoted himself to the work in Macoupin, Jersey and Greene Coun- ties live years, and demonstrated his ability to im- part instruction, his power to guide and control the young and his interest in the growth of civil- ization. After the period mentioned Mr. Clark entered upon mercantile life, clerking six months for C. li. Wilson and then buying out the business. He has increased the stock and added lines of trade until he now has nearly every branch of merchandise re- presented in his store. He has been in business ten years and has no reason to be dissatisfied with the results he has achieved, although as he is enter- prising and ambitious he is constantly aiming at a larger trade and more extended opportunity. He was appointed Postmaster during the administra- 1 tion of President Arthur. IflSRART Of THE WVEWmr OFILUWr -71/Mi PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 607 In October, 1879, Mr. Clark was married lo Miss Jennie Price, daughter of Evan and Ann (Lewis) Price. Mr. and Mrs. Price were natives of Wales and after their marriage came tu the United States and located in Alton, this State. There Mrs. Clark was born December 24, 1857. She is the fourth of five children, the others being Mary, wire of John Blotne, Rebecca, who married William Armstrong; Anna, wife of William Powers; and Henry, who was adopted into the family of Henry Hankliouse and has taken the name of his adopted father. Mr. Price was a miner and worked in the mines at Alt- on. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have two sons — Charles and Victor — whose habits are being carefully molded by their parents and who are being given opportunities suited to their age for cultivating their mind and fitting them for the duties of cit- izenship. In exercising the right of suffrage Mr. Clark al- ways deposits a Republican ticket as he has firm faith in the principles of the parly. He has served as Township Clerk and Collector and has done well in office. He is a member of the Knights of Hon- or. Me and his estimable wife move in the best circles in Piasa, take much interest in that which is for the best good of her people and are looked up- on as honoring the place by their residence. iJjL^ ENRY PRANGE, a wealthy German-Amer- |i ican citizen and a large land owner of Ma- coupin County, residing on section 2, Mt. Olive Township, near the village of that name, was born in Prussia, Germany, November 14, 1821. His people were industrious and ener- getic Germans. His father, Frank II. Prange, was a native of Prussia and a hard working man but was not in very affluent circumstances. lie mar- ried a Prussian lady, Anna Leimkuller, who was born, reared and died in her native province, de- parting this life at the age of fifty-three. In relig- ious faith she was a Lutheran. After her death the father and his family took passage upon a sailing-vessel which left Bremen on the 24th of September, 1853, and arrived at New Orleans on the 15th of November. They made their way up the Mississippi River, landing at St. Louis, and then continued their journey to Mt. Olive. Macoupin County. 111. The father was not long permitted lo enjoy his new home, for his death occurred on June 26, 1854. and his remains were laid to rest on the farm now owned by our subject. lie was t'aen sixty-eight years of age. He too was a member of the Lutheran Church and a man whom all respected for his sterling worth. The early life of our subject was spent at hard work upon a farm in his native land, few advan- tages and privileges being afforded him. He was married in Prussia to Miss Wilhelmina Poppenweit, a native of that province, born December 10, 1825. She has proved a true helpmate to her husband and a faithful wife and mother. Their union has been blessed with nine children, and only one is now de- ceased — Louis, who died at the age of twenty four years. Frank H., who wedded Anna Keiser, is liv- ing on a farm in Montgomery County; Henry wed- ded Minnie Eikme3'er and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Cahokia Tovvnship; Minnie is at home; William married Ida Ghenter and is a miller of New Douglas Township, Madison County; John F. married Minnie Niehaus and they resided on a farm iu Montgomery County; August, who was joined in wedlock with Emma Budde, is engaged in mill- ing at New Douglas; Charles H. wedded Minnie Nollman and operates a farm in Christian County; Edward, who completes the family, is at home. Mr. Prange has resided upon his present farm since 185 1. having there located when it was all wild prairie, entirely destitute of improvements. The county too was new and the village of Mt. Olive had not yet sprung into existence. Although whin Mr. Prange came here he was a poor man he has worked hard and by his industry, perseverance and good management has made a fortune. In addition to the large and valuable farm on which he resides he also owns considerable landed prop- erty in Madison and Montgomery Counties. He is a man of strong determination who accomplishes whatever he undertakes and thus when he resolved to make of his life a success, adversity and difficul- ties could not deter him. He made much of his 608 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. money during the time when the war had inflated all prices, and with a remarkable fore-sight and sagacity he invested his surplus earnings in lands, which, as the country has become more thickly set- tled, have rapidly arisen in value and made him a wealthy man. He feels a just pride in his success and certainly is entitled to much credit. In connection with general farming, Mr. Prange was largely interested in opening up the mines at Mt. Olive and was once one of the most extensive stock holders in the Mt. Olive Coal Company. In politics, Mr. Prange is a Republican and has held a number of local offices. Both he and his wife are active members of the Lutheran Church and he gives liberally of his means to its support. The handsome property which he has acquired now en- ables him to live a retired life and he is resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Accompanying this brief biographical notice, the reader will find a lithographic portrait of Mr. Prange. ^r *^>&&&fZ>*^- EV. STEPHEN FRENCH RICE, a min- ister of the Gospel who is well-known throughout Macoupin County as the org- ^) anizer of a number of flourishing young churches and who resides in Medora, was born in Shipman Township, this county, January 10, 1812. His father, Judge Thomas Brown Rice, was one of the pioneers of the county who did grand yoeman service in the early days. He was born in Fred- erick County, Va., August 17, 1806, and was of English descent. His father came from England to America and died in Frederick County, Va. Thomas Rice was reared in his native county and learned the trade of a saddler which he fol- lowed there until 1855 when his establishment was burned out and he came with his family consisting of his wife and foui children to Illinois. They made the entire journey overland with two teams, and brought with them in their prairie schooners most of their household goods. They rested as was necessary on the way, camping out and taking their time so that they made a very comfortable journey. At first they rented a vacant log cabin in Medora Township, but soon located themselves permanently. Thomas Rice entered a tract of Government land upon section 6, of what is now Shipman Town- ship, and at once erected a log house which is still standing and occupied. The family celebrated Christmas Day by moving into this new domicile, and as soon as winter broke up the father began work upon the farm, which he continued to make his home until claimed by death. He had in the meantime been very successful and accumulated a handsome property. The mother of our subject whose maiden name was Mahala Farrow, was united in marriage with Thomas Rice, April 17, 1828. She was a native of Culpeper County, Va., her natal day being December 22, 1807, and she was of German an- cestry. Through all the poverty of her early married life and the struggles of pioneer existence she was a faithful and devoted wife and mother, and reared carefully and to an honorable manhood and womanhood ten children, who are named as follows: Susan Catherine, Elizabeth Strather, James Washington, John Williams, Thomas Brown, Mary Virginia, Stephen French, Amanda Mahala, Emma Ann and Charles Arthur. While she was bringing up these children, her cares were great and he- conveniences limited. She cooked, washed and ironed by the open fireplace and clad her children in home- spun, which was made by her own hands as she carded, spun and wove the cloth which she cut into garments and made with the needle, for sew- ing machines were not then introduced. There were then no railroads within many miles of them, and Alton and St. Louis were their nearest market towns. Hundreds of deer, wolves and other kinds of wild game loamed at will through the region and were often to be seen from the cabin door. Both she and her worthy husband were faithful and conscientious members of the Baptist Church, as they united with the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, August 6, 1826, and he was elected Dea- con the following year. In his political views he was a Democrat and a leading man in that party and indeed among all thoughtful citizens. He served as Postmaster at Rhodes Point (as Medora PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 609 was formerly called). He was collector for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad for two years and served two terms as Associate Judge of Macoupin County. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the home farm, a part of which is now included in the village of Medora, so that we may say that he has been a life-long resident of that place. In his early years he attended school and resided upon the farm, assisting his parent, until he reached the age of twenty two years. He became a decided Christian in 1864 and during the same year joined the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and in 1869 was ordained a preacher and joined the Apple Creek Association, in which connection he has been ever since administering the rites of religion. He or- ganized the church which is known as Little Flock and assisted in organizing others. The marriage of our subject August 8, 1863, was an event of great importance in his life, as he was then united with Luetta Keele who has proved to him a noble and self-sacrificing helpmate. She was born in Shipman Township and was also of pioneer parentage, her father being Enoch and her mother, Margaret Taper Keele. Three children only have crowned this union, Alonzo, Maggie and Charlie. The Rev. Mr. Rice was in his early years an adherent to the doctrines of the Demo- cratic party, but of late years he has become a Pro- hibitionist in his convictions and vote. ffi AMES W.LUMPKIN is the senior member of the 6rm of J. W. Lumpkin & Son, propri- etors of the Macoupin County Inquirer, an ably conducted journal, that is classed among the leading newspapers of this part of the State. Our subject is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this county, and is one of its native-born citizens, his birth taking place in Bird Township, November 15, 1836, he being the only son of John and Emily A. (Rafferty) Lump- kin. His father was a A'irginian by birth, as was also the grandfather of subject, whose name was William Lumpkin. The latter moved from his native State in 1818, after his marriage, in Ken- tucky, and resided for two or three years in Jeffer- son County. He Mien went to Davis County, that State, where he bought a tract of timber land, built on it, and commenced to clear a farm, upon which he lived the remainder of his life. The maternal grandfather of subject, James Rafferty, is sup- posed to have been a native of Kentucky. He married Mary Booth of the same State. By occu- pation he was a farmer, and in 1835 he came to Macoupin County, where in time he improved a farm in Polk Township, upon which he continued to reside until his decease. John Lumpkin was a lad of ten years when he went to Kentucky with his parents. In his youth he learned the trade of brick-layer, which he pursued in the afore men- tioned State until 1835, when he came to Illinois. He was accompanied thither by his wife, and came by the way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to St. Louis, from whence he journeyed to his des- tination in this county with an ox-team. He ar- rived here with but fifty cents in his pocket, but he had a sturdy, self-reliant Spirit and a good trade for capital, and was well-fitted to cope with the trials of pioneer life. He purchased a tract of wild prairie laud on lime, located in Bird Town- ship, and his first work was to erect a log house for shelter, riving the boards to cover the roof, which was held in place by weight poles,- and mak- ing the door and floor of split puncheons. As soon as his dwelling was completed he commenced to improve his land, doing all his farm work and marketing for some time with oxen. He worked a great deal of the time at his trade, except in the winter seasons, and he assisted in building the first brick courthouse at Carlinville, besides other brick buildings erected here. He continued to make his home on his farm until his life was dosed by death in 1871. His wife had passed away before, her death occurring on the old homestead in 1865. The subject of this biographical sketch is the only child born to his parents, and the primitive dwelling erected by his father when he first came to this county was the scene of his birth. He was reared amid pioneer influences; his early education was obtained in the schools of his native county, and was supplemented by an excellent course of 610 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. study at Shurtleff College. After leaving college he taught school one term, and then gave his at- tention to farming and dealing in livestoik, which he continued until 1880, when he removed to Carl- inville and for One year engaged in the sale of farm implements. In 1882 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and remained in the Sheriffs otlice four years. In June, 1886, Mr. Lumpkin formed a partnership witn his son, Clement .1.. and pur- chased the Enquirer printing office, since which time he has devoted his attention to the manage- ment of the paper and to the general business con- nected with the printing depaitment. In 1857, Mr. Lumpkin and Miss Eizina Bates were united in marriage, and theirs lias been a pleasant union, that has brought them two child- ren, Clement J. and Mattie E. Mrs Lumpkin is also a native of Macoupin, and is a daughter of James and Martha Bates. Our subject was a man of high character and standing in his native county professionally, and also as a private citizen and a civic official. He has occupied various offices of trust, and is at present serving his third term as a member of the City Council. While a resident of Bird Township he was Town- ship Collector, and has also held the office of Jus- tice of the Peace. Politically, his sympathies are with the Democrats, and he gives his party earnest support through the columns of his paper, though he is by no means violently partisan. Socially, lie belongs to Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. E. & A. M.: is a member of Macoupin Chapter, No. 187, R. A. M.; and of St. Omar Commandery, No. 30. K. T.. of Litchfield, 111. * HARLES T. HANSHAW, President of the Bank of Palmyra and one of the prominent ' business men of Macoupin County, was born in Botetourt County, Ya , January 31, 1847. His father, Elisha Hanshaw, was born in the same county and his grandfather Benjamin was, it is be- lieved, born in Maryland and went to Virginia with his parents when very young. He was a farmer and followed agricultural pursuits through life. He came from Botetourt County to Illinois in his old age to spend bis last days with his children. The father of our subject was reared in his nat- ive State and there learned the trade of a miller, which he followed until 1847 when he came to Ill- inois, accompanied by his wife and four children. They traveled by what was then the most conveni- ent ami expeditious route, overland to the Ohio River, thence on that beautiful stream by boat to the Mississippi, and up that river to St. Louis. There they took a team and journeyed in a prairie schooner to Auburn, Sangamon County, this Mate. He engaged in farming in that vicinity for a year or two, and then went to Hart's Prairie, Morgan County, where he bought an interest in a mill and operated it for two years, after which iie resumed farming. A little later he took charge of Crow's Mill, east of Auburn until 1856, when he came to Palmyra, and in company with his brother Hezekiah and A. C. Farmer, erected a flouring mill at this place. He operated this until 1865 and then went to Chesterfield, and managed a mill there for one year, after which he retired from active business, making his home at Palmyra until 1877, when he moved v ->&£&Z&r&<^ AHLON ROSS, of the firm of Ross & Ross attorneys- at-law, Virden, is not only one of the leading members of the bar in this section of the State, but he is prominent as a public-spirited citizen and an able business' man, whose name is associated with various enterprises that have furthered the best interests of the county. Mr. Ross was born on a farm in Sandy (reek Town- ship, Mercer County, Pa., November 12, 1821. His father, Edward C. Ross, was a native of New Jersey and he was a son of Edward Ross, who was also born in that State. He was there reared and married, and subsequently went to Pennsylvania, where he became an early settler of Washington County. He lived there for a number of years, but the latter part of his life was passed in Mercer County with his son. The father of our subject grew to manhood in Washington County and was there married at the age of twenty-eight years. After that important event in his life he removed to Mercer County and was a pioneer of Sandy Creek Township, where he purchased two hundred acres of forest land. He erected a log house and in that primitive dwelling his son, of whom we write, was born. The father labored incessantly to clear his land and in due time had improved a good-sized farm. He planted an orchard and erected a cider-mill, which, so far as known, is standing yet, a relic of the past. While a resident there he served as a soldier in the War of 1812. In 1835 he sold his property in that locality and crossing the boundary line into Ohio with teams, he cast his lot with the pioneers of Delaware County, buying land near Delaware. He built an addition to the log cabin that stood on the place, erected a log barn and was engaged in making further improvements, when his busy life was cut short in June, 1836, by his untimely death at the age of fifty-two years, when scarcely past his prime. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Mary Axtel, and she was a native of Washing- ton County, Pa., a daughter of Luther and Hannah (Conduit) Axtel. By the sad death of the father the mother was left with a large family to care for and nobly did she perform her task. She reared nine of her ten children to maturity and to honor- able lives. The family remained on the home farm in Delaware County until 1839, when they sold the place and removed to the Territory of Iowa, making the removal with teams. At that time Illinois was still mostly owned by the Gov- ernment and its fertile land was for sale at a low price. But the Rosses would not settle here on ac- count of the excessive lax incurred by the build- ing of the canal. The mother made a claim to a tract of Government land in Linn County, Iowa, a mile and a half from Marion, and when the land came into the market entered it at the land office. The surrounding country was in a wild, sparsely- settled condition; there were no railways for some years and Muscatine, sixty-five miles away, was the nearest town to which the pioneers could go to mar- ket their produce or procure supplies. Mrs. Ross in due lime had a comfortable home, her children attended diligently to improving the farm and there her life was closed in death in 1846. Mahlon Ross was in his eighteenth year when the family went to Iowa. At that time Lino County was on the Western frontier and deer, ante- lopes and buffaloes roamed over the prairies in the western part of the State. Our subject witnessed much of the growth of the country from its prime- val wildness and he can well remember shucking corn on the present site of the most densely-settled part of Cedar Rapids. He carried the chain in the survey of the Territorial road that led through Marion from Davenport to Iowa City, the survey being made in 1840. There was then but one building where Cedar Rapids now is and that was a log cabin owned by a man named Shepard, who 614 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was holding the land as a claim. Three men of the names of Green, Roach and Brown, bought the claim of Mr. Shepard and laid out the town of Ce- dar Rapids, which is now a flourishing city. Mr. Ross laid the foundations of a sound educa- tion in the pioneer schools of Pennsylvania and Ohio, which were conducted on the subscription plan in log houses that were furnished with slab benches and had greased paper windows. In 1842 lie went to Quincy to enter Mission Institute, a Presbyterian school, and was a student therein four years. After leaving school he utilized his educa- tion for a while by teaching, making that vocation a stepping stone to the legal profession, as so ninny of our famous lawyers and statesmen have done. He taught one summer in Missouri, and then com- ing to Illinois, had charge of a school at Bluff dale, Green County, one winter. In the meantime he had studied law and in 1850 he was admitted to the bar. He opened an office in Hardin, Calhoun County, whence he went to Carrollton, where In- engaged at his calling one year. In 1854 he came to Virden and has ever since been in active prac- tice in this city. He has risen to prominence in his profession by the exercise of his talents and by pur- suing only the most honorable methods, and his numerous clients place the most implicit confidence in him. feeling that their affairs are safe in his hands. Mr. Ross was united in marriage to Miss Harriet E. M. Roberts, in 1857, and their home is among the most attractive in Virden. Mrs. Ross is a na- tive of Kirtland, Ashtabula County, Ohio, born June 27, 1825, a daughter of Joel and Tabitha (Fellows) Roberts. Her father was a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have two children, Alva and Ellie. Alva received his early education in the public schools of Virden. He became a stu- dent at Jacksonville Business College, where he pursued an excellent course, and after that he en- tered the Law Department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, from which he was gradu- ated in 1890. In June of that year he was ad- mitted to the bar and commenced practice with his father. He is a member of the Phi Delti Phi, and he has a bright and promising future before him in his profession. A man of ripe intellect, of a clear and vigorous mind and broad outlook, with a keen understanding of all subjects of public import, Mr. Ross wields an unmistakable influence on the social and civic life of his community. He ranks high as a lawyer of stainless character, who possesses the courage of his convictions and is fearless in their expression, both with tongue and pen. He is very liberal in his religious views a^id is the author of a thoughtful and well- writ ten work entitled, "The Substantial Theology," which is a valuable contribution to the literature of modem Christianity and has received favorable comment from the leaders of the liberal movement in religion. Our subject is honored and trusted by his fellow- citizens, who know him as a wise and able counsel- lor, who is pure, honest and perfectly upright in his life and they have often elected him to responsible positions. While a resident of Carrollton he was elected Justice of the Peace, and he has held the same office at Virden three terms. He has served one term as Police Magistrate of the city and six terms as City Attorney and he has also been Presi- dent of the Village Board. F.NRY LEMONS. The honest and industri- i x ous class of agriculturists form the bone and sinew from which the body politic is made. This is the element upon which we must depend not only for a healthful growth in country communities but also for the best material of which our great financiers are to be made. A city which depends upon a prosperous and virtuous farming community has before it years of prosperity, while it would sink into hopeless disaster without that r source from which to draw. We therefore take great pleasure in describing the homes and lives of the sturdy agriculturists who make up the bulk of the community in the country. Our subject, a well-known farmer and a stock- raiser of Girard, was born in the city of St. Louis, Mo., February 1, 1852. At the age of seven years he went to reside with the family of Mrs. W. C. RoaclL, who was then residing on a farm near Carl- inville, and here the boy grew to manhood, gain- UBHAvr uwvpfcm 5? JAMES P. PEARSON- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. C17 in« his education at the district schools and learn- ing the minutia and drill of farm life, lie lived with Mrs. Roach until he reached the age of fifteen years and then worked by the month on a farm for Mr. Tliacker, of Nilwood Township, continuing working; for him until he obtained a home of his own. The marriage of Henry Lemons and Mary Etta Roach was solemnized in 1877. She lived in Girard and was a daughter of John F. and Martha H. (Cherry) Roach. After marriage the young couple went to housekeeping upon a farm belonging to Mrs. Lemons' father, and there they made a happy home until 1881, carrying on the farm and devoting their attention also to the raising of good grades of stock. When they removed fiom that farm they set- tled upon one hundred and seven acres. two and one- half miles northwest of Girard which still consti- tutes the home farm. To this worthy couple five children were granted, namely: Ethel, John R., Henry McCoy, Calvin C. and Roscoe Harrison. Mr. Lemons lakes a lively interest in political movements and his convictions have led him to ally himself with the Republican party. He is well- read and intelligent in regard to the history of the party and honors its leaders, as is shown by his bestowing the names of the two most prominent leaders of that party upon his youngest son. He is an earnest and active member of the Baptist Church, in which he finds a broad field of influence and effort. His wife is connected with the Pres- byterian Church, and unites her labors with those of her fellow. members to forward its interests, and do worthy work for the Master. — s-t-g«^£&4H~5— AMES P. PEARSON. Among the honor- ed pioneers of Macoupin County, where he located iu 1835, was the gentleman whose |K|j// portrait accompanies this sketch. He was accounted one of the best citizens of the commu- nity and his death was deeply mourned by many friends. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Yorkshire, England, March 29, 1816, and was still a young lad at the time of his father's death. With his mother and stepfather he crossed the Atlantic to America, the family settling in Ohio, where our subject was reared to manhood. On coming to Illinois he settled in Macoupin County, in 1835, where he secured a wild and un- broken tract of land upon which not a furrow had been turned and began the development and im- provement of a farm. Not long after this Mr. Pearson led to the mar- riage altar Tab it ha Gwin, a native of Tennessee, born near Nashville. Her parents, Elias and Tabi- tha ( Weathcrford) Gwin, were natives of South Carolina and Kentucky respectively and were married in Middle Tennessee, where they began life upon a farm. The wife and mother died in that locality, after which Mr. Gwin with his family of ten sons and daughters left Tennessee in 1830 and emigrated westward to Macoupin County, III., where he spent the remainder of his life. He was born September 11, 1783, and died April 5, 1853. In politics he was a life-long Democrat and in rel- igious belief was a Methodist. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson were married in 1837, and after a happy wedded life of eleven years the wife was called to her final rest. At her death she left six children, two of whom have since died, namely: Elizabeth, wife of Franklin Johnson and Elias who died in boyhood. Rebecca is now the wife of Edward Iluddlestun, a resilient of Kansas City, Mo.; Martha A. is the widow of Nelson Pope and also makes her home in Kansas City; Mary is the wife of Robert Drury, who is living on a farm in Brushy Mound Township; .Tomes M., who mar- ried Susie Rose, is the youngest of the family and occupies the old Pearson homestead, The mother of tnis family was a noble woman and a member of the Methodist Church. For a second wife Mr. Pearson wedded Mrs Rebecca (Gwin) Little, their union being celebrated in 1859. She was born near Nashville, Tenn., Janu- ary 15, 1808. and is a sister of the first wife. Soon after her father came to this State she was married November 23, 1831, to William Little, the mar- riage taking place in Mt. Vernon. He survived less than four years, dying March 15, 1835, in this county, in the prime of life. Two children were born of that marriage, but .Margaret, wife of IIus- 618 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ton Mayberry, is now deceased. James, the son, follows farming in Orgeon. He wedded Hannah Fay, who is now deceased. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Pearson was born a daughter, Tabitha, who died at the age of seven years. The subject of this sketch followed farming on the first land which he purchased for some years, but in 1850 removed to what is known as the Pear- son homestead on section 3, Gillespie Township. His land he soon placed under the plow and as the result of his industry and enterprise his farm soon became one of the best in that locality, three hund- red acres of highly improved land paying a golden tribute to his care and cultivation. He died at the old home on March 27, 1890, at the age of seventy-four years; in his death the county lost one of its best citizens, his neighbors a kind friend and his family a loving and faithful husband and father. Mrs. Pearson still survives her husband and is one of those old ladies whom every one loves for her kindness, charity and many excel- lencies of character. She is a sincere Christian woman and a faithful member of the Methodist Church. vi) ONATIIAN L. WOOD. The late Jonathan L. Wood had many acquaintances in this and the adjoining counties, as he had lived here for many years and was one of the pio- neers of Bunker Hill Township. He was born in Washington County, Tenn., January 18, 1803, and was past two years old when his parents re- moved to Kentucky. Our subject was a son of Thomas and Mary (Bayless) Wood who were na- tives respectively of Virginia and probably Ten- nessee or North Carolina. He grew to manhood there and learned what is necessary to promote the interests of an agriculturist, together with the principles on which to base his conduct. He also learned the trade of a wagon-maker, and thus gained a thorough equipment for tLe battle of life. In 1829 he came to this State with a cousin, Thomas Wood, and in March of that year located in Madi- son County, and in a short time was engaged as a journeyman in Edwardsville. He followed his trade for eight years and later learned that of a mill- wright under "Boss" Lincoln, a prominent worker in that line. He was in the employ of that gentle- man eight years, during which period they put up large flouring mills at Hillsboro, Naples, Beards- town, Alton and other places. As early as 1830 Mr. Wood entered some Gov- ernment land in Macoupin County and he finally turned his attention to farming here. The house that he built on the farm and his first habitation is still in good shape, but it is preserved only as a land- mark of former days. Mr. Wood acquired a good property, consisting of about three hundred acres, most of which he himself placed under im- provement. He lived here honored and respected until November 20, 1887, when he was called from time to eternity. When the Republican party was organized he was in sympathy with the movement and he helped to organize it in this section, going as a delegate to the first convention. He was always opposed to any form of human slavery and was a sincere believei in the rights of all men to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." He was one of the first three School Trustees in Bunker Hill Township and in fact was one who organized this d ; vision of the county. His religious home was in the Baptist Church. In Madison County, this State, the marriage of Mr. Wood and Miss Aurora B. Foster, was solemn- ized. The bride was born in Maine, September 5, 181 1, and was descended from an old Massachusetts family. Her parents Oliver and Hannah (Eldred) Foster left their native State in 1818, and started west, stopping for a time in Pennsylvania and thence coming down the Ohio River to Shawnee- town, where the}* landed about January 1, 1819. February 22 they passed Edwardsville for Alton and in 1826 they removed out on a farm in Madison County. There was an immense amount of wild game in the section, in which Mr. and Mrs. Foster were among the earliest settlers. They lived to be very aged and were widely known as the oldest pioneers of Southern Illinois, having outlived all others who had come hither as early as they. Mrs. Wood was carefully reared, and having naturally fine trails of mind and character, she be- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 619 came a noble woman and for well nigh half a cen- tury was a true wife to lier husband. She has been devoted to her children, of whom she has two liv- ing and has lost three. Oliver P. died in infancy, Hannah M. when eight years old, and Fred F. was cut down in early manhood, when twenty-two years old. The surviving members of the family are Reuben (). and Thomas G. They are partners in business and occupy the undivided homestead in which they have an equal interest. Reuben 0. married Jenny Howell of Bunker Hill Township, but has no children; Thomas G. married Margaret Rinker of Madison County and they have four children — Hannah M. L., Fred R., Edna and Inez. Mis. Wood, widow of our subject, is living in Wood bum. She is a consistent member of the Baptist Church and has many warm friends. BR AH AM FREY, who is now acting in the capacity of County Treasurer, has been variously occupied since he set up his home in this part of America. He was born in the village of Oggersheim in Bavaria, Germany, August 8, 1833. His father, Jacob Wilhelm Frey. was born in Donnast and learned the trade of a bulcher, which he followed a part of each year, devoting the rest of his time to farming. In April, 1847, he took passage at Manheim on a steamer for Havre and then embarked on a sail vessel, landing at New Orleans after an ocean voy- age of sixty-two ihxys. He was accompanied by his wife and five children, the eldest being the sub- ject of this sketch. From New Orleans they came up to St. Louis, where the mother died ten days later. The father came to Staunton, this count}-, and leaving his children in care of their maternal uncles, Jacob and John Hausam, went to look for work. It was not long ere he fell ill and died, leaving his children orphaned in a strange land. Abraham Frey at once set about earning his own living and first found employment on a farm at $4 per month. He spent two years at this work and then began to learn the trade of a harness- maker and served an apprenticeship of two years and a half in Alton. He then returned to farm- ing, at which he worked industriously until the war began, when he resumed his trade in Staunton. He did journey work two years, then engaged in business for himself at Gillespie, which was his home until the fall of 1890. Since that lime he has been living in Carlinville, to which place his reputation had preceded him. The wife of Mr. Frey was known in her girlhood as Armindy Grant. She was born in Madison County, this State, in 1813, and is a daughter of Thomas Grant, who is numbered among the pion- eers of that county. She entered upon the duties of wifehood in 1864 and has been faithful to the obligations which she then assumed. Her home has been brightened by the presence of five child- ren, whose respective names are Emma, Edward, Charlie, Lewis and David. Mr. Frey belongs to the Democratic party. He is identified with Gill- espie Lodge, No. 214, F. & A. M. ; and with Lodge, No. 220, I. O. O. F. His thorough honesty and interest in the financial condition of the county led to his candidacy for County Treasurer and to his election to that responsible office. # ENRV SNELL is one of the sagacious, ^ skillful farmers who are actively helping to carry on the agricultural interests of this county, and he is the fortunate proprietor of a fine prairie farm, comprising the northeast quarter of section 28, Girard Township. In Bethel Township, Miami County, Ohio, he first opened his eyes to the light of the world June 18, 1836, in the pioneer log house that was the home of his par- ents, Jacob and Barbara ( Harsh barger) Snell. His father, who was born in Rockingham County, Va., in 1806, was reared in his native county, and there carried on his trade as a carpenter in connection with farming until his removal in 1831 to Ohio, the journey being made with teams. He bought a tract of land in Bethel Township, on which stood a log house, in which he and his family took up their abode. In the intervals of pursuing his trade he gave his attention to improving a farm, and in- 620 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. creased its size by the purchase of land adjoining. He lived there in peace and comfort, respected by all who knew him, until death called him hence in 1855 when he was scarcely past the meridian of life. His wife, who was a native of the same county as himself, and was a daughter of Henry and Eliza- beth Marshbarger, also died on the home farm, her death occurring in December, 1860. The}' reared a family of five children, named as follows: John, Elizabeth, Henry and Susan (twins) and Annie. Our subject began to assist his father on the farm as soon as he could make himself useful. His edu- cation was conducted in the local public schools. He remained with his parents until their death, and after that purchased the old homestead, which he occupied until 1804; be sold it then and bought a mill in the same township, which he operated until 1867. In that year, wishing to resume fanning. and feeling satisfied that this county offered him better chances of profit than the more worn soil of his native State, he took up his residence in North Otter Township on a farm that he bought. Eigh- teen months later he sold that and bought the place upon which he has since lived in Girard Township. Its fields and pastures are very fertile and are un- der careful cultivation, while substanial buildings adorn the place, which bears every indication of a thrifty, energetic and capable manager at the head of affairs. December it, 1858 Mr. Snell took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Amanda Mayer, a na- tive of Fairfield, Greene County, Ohio, born No- vember 7, 184(1. Her father was David Mayer, and he was born in Lancaster County, Pa., a son of Christian Mayer, who was a life- long resident of Lancaster County, where he was engaged both as a blacksmith and a farmer. David Mayer learned the trade of a miller, and in the early settlement of Greene County, Ohio, he went there to carry on his calling. After marriage he rented a mill at Fairfield, and he subsequently erected a brick building, in which he conducted the mercantile business, while at the same time he operated the mill. Thence he removed to Huffers- ville, where he bought a mill, in which he engaged in the manufacture of lumber for years. Finally he sold that property and took up his residence in Miami County, and bought and operated a mill there the ensuing twelve years. In 1864 he sold all his possessions in Ohio, and coming to Macoupin County, invested in a farm in North Otter Town- ship. There his attention was given to agricul- tural pursuits until death closed his busy life April 31, 1890. Mrs. Snell's mother's maiden name was Eliza Huffer, and she was a native of Lancaster County, Pa. Her father, grandfather of Mrs. Snell, was one of the pioneers of Greene County, Ohio, the local- ity where he settled being named Huffersvillc in his honor. He purchased an extensive tract of land there and improved a water power by building a woolen mill, a saw and "list mill and a distillery. In addition to carrying on these varied interests he superintended the improvement of a farm. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Stoner, and she was a native of Lancaster County, Pa. Both she and be? husband spent their last years in Huf- fersvillc. Mrs. Snell's mother, who has attained a venerable age, occupies the home farm with her son John. Mr. and Mrs. Snell have five children living, whose names are Anna Mary, Emma L., John F., Eliza C. and Charles H. Our subject and his wife are people who bear themselves sensihly and up- rightly in their intercourse with others, and arc always ready with sympathy and practical help to aid any who are in trouble, and are valued as neighbors and friends in their community. The German Baptist Brethren Church finds in them de- voted members and true disciples of its faith. ■ :-#•■::■•#-?■ — •*- j, EMPSEY N. SOLOMON, one of the old- est settlers of the county now living in the village of Palmyra, was born in Muhlenberg County, Ky., January 11, His father Lewis Solomon, was born in Franklin County, N. C, in 1778, and the grandfather of our subject, who also bore the name of Lewis, was a revolutionary soldier in North Carolina. The father of our subject was reared 1821. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. (5-21 and educated in his native county, and had but scant opportunities for an education, but being an excellent scholar with a special aptitude for mathematics, made unusual progress in his studies. He resided in his native State until 1813, and then accompanied by his wife and children, emigrated to Kentucky. He bought a tract of timber Land upon which he paid part cash, but on account of the depreciation of currency, he lost largely and giving up his property, he emigrated to Illinois in 1825, making the entire distance of land with one horse attached to a cart, and two pack horses (one of them blind), on the backs of which a portion of the household goods were packed. In this way they made the entire journey. The male members of the family who were old enough, walked the entire distance, and they camped by the way. The Solomon family arrived at Jacksonville, November 2, and found it a village of one frame house, and three or four log cabins. Fifty cents constituted the contents of the family exchequer. They moved into a vacant, log cabin located near where the Dunlap House now stands. It had neither floor nor door, and the father split clap- boards and made them a door which he hung upon wooden hinges, and also hewed out puncheons for the floor. The land surrounding Jacksonville was owned by the Government and was for sale at $1.25 per acre; but as Lewis Solomon did not have the money, he could not buy. In the spring of 1826 he rented a tract of land south of Jacksonville, and lived thereuntil 1827, when he settled in what is now Macoupin County, North Palmyra Township. He built a log cabin which was chinked with chips, daubed with mud and had a chimney built of earth and sticks. No sawed lumber was used in the con- struction of this building. The floor was of punch- eon, and Mr. Solomon rived the boards of which the door was made, and it was hung on wooden hinges. The clap-board roof was held in place by weight poles. At that time deer, wolves, bears and panthers were to be found here the former being abundant. For years there was no railroad and the people lived on the products of their farms. Coffee was a luxury which could be partaken of only on Sun- day mornings. The mother of our subject used to card and spin and his sisters worked at the loom, and thus the entire family was clothed. In the course of time Alton became quite a market, and the settlers took their grain there. Hogs were taken to St. Louis where they would sell at 11.50 to $3.00, dressed weight. As improvements came, the father erected a dwelling house which was weather-boarded, and in it they resided until his death in 1849. He was a man of rare good judgment and common sense, am! at that period in the history of the county, few men possessed more business ability than he. His integrity and honesty of purpose was never ques- tioned. He was an active and useful member of the Baptist Church, which he joined under the mistration of that noble man and eminent pioneer divine. Elder Peck. In February 1849, he was called to part with his wife and he survived bet- only a few months, when, on the 28th of July, he passed from life to the realms of eternal rest. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Sarah Bowden, and she was born in Franklin County, N. C, being the daughter of John Bow- den. Lewis Solomon was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace soon after the organization of the county and many of its legal documents are signed with his name. We will now turn to the more direct personal history of our subject. He was in his fifth year when he came with his parents to Illinois, and remembers well the incidents of pioneer life here, especially his early school life, which was in one of the first schools ever taught in this part of the county. It was taught in a log house which had no window, but a part of a log was taken out on one side of the house and a piece of board was hung over the opening on a leather hinge, so that it could be raised to admit light whenever the weather was favorable. The seats were made of puncheons and had no desks in front. The boy assisted his father on the farm and also learned of him the shoemaker's trade. After doing a days' work on the farm, he would spend his evenings on the bench, and by making shoes he earned the money to enter the first tract of land he ever owned. It was in the year 1839 that he 622 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. entered this land which was located on section 20, North Palmyra Township. Here he commenced to work when lie reached his majority and here he settled at the time of his marriage. After a year spent upon the new farm, the young couple re- turned to the old home to care for the parents. In the spring of 1850 they returned to their own farm, but in 1854, Mr. Solomon placed it in the hands of a tenant and moved to Cummington, now a part of Palmyra, and engaged in the mer- cantile business, which he had carried on, with the exception of one year, up to the present day. In the spring of 1855, Mr. Solomon laid out the southern part of the village of Palmyra, and during the same year opened a store, the first one ever started in Palmyra. He took as his partner, .1. F. Nifong. He has been extensively engaged in farming all the while and has nearly one thousand acres of farming and pasture land, besides his town property. On the 4th of June, 184G, he was married to Elizabeth C. Newell, a daughter of James and Ann Newell. This lady was born near Franklin, Ky., and has the following children: Mary J., wife of Z. C. Ridgway, of Palmyra; Sarah A., wife of William C. Martin, who is a partner with Mr. Solomon in merchandising; George W., Salome F., who married Dr. R. M. Wilson, of Lincoln; Charles D. ; Minnie F. wife of Dr. Marvell Thomas of Gillespie, and Carrie Josephine who resides at home. The political record of Mr. Solomon begins with his vote for Martin Van Buren, and he is and always has been a Democrat. During the late Civil War, he was a stanch supporter of the Government, and assisted in raising a company for the suppression of the Rebellion. He was appoint- ed Assessor for the county in 1843, and soon after was elected School Director, and served as Super- visor several terms until in 1878, he declined further service in this line. He served as School of South Palmyra Township for twenty-two years. He is a member of Palmyra Lodge No. 463 F. & A. M. and joined the Masons in 1849, he was made a Mason at the Mount Nebo Lodge No. 70. Mr. and Mrs. Solomon are members of the Christian Church with which they united themselves in 1867, and their oldest daughter belong to the same church. Our subject was the first Postmaster of Palmyra and served in this capacity until the breaking out of the war. The social success of Mr Solomon is the natural sequence of his genial nature and the prosperity which has attended his efforts is the result of integrity and honesty rather than a love of worldly gain. ^Y?OHN C. GIBBS, an active and progressive farmer residing on section 23, North Pal- myra Township, is the son of a sturdy and honorable Englishman, John C. Gibbs, who was born in Yorkshire, England. The mother of our subject was Mary Ward, who was born in Yorkshire and married in her native count}'. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs emigrated to Canada, many years ago and in 1835 settled in what is now Scott County, III., but their home in the new country was not to be long undisturbed as the father was snatched away from the household, leaving his widow with four children to rear and educate. She was a faithful and judicious mother and brought them up in habits of industry, economy and thrift, and dying in Winchester, this State, in 1872, left them the inheritance of her worthy example. The subject of this sketch was the youngest of this household and was born in Toronto, Canada. January 28, 1835. He passed the early years of his life on a farm until the age of fourteen years, • when he learned the trade of a wagon and carriage maker, at which he served for three years. After completing his apprenticeship he worked at his trade for others for a number of years, and then opened a shop in Milton, Pike County, this State. At the breaking out of the war this young man, not enjoying the privilege of being born in this land of freedom, felt that he must fly to the defense of his adopted country ,and enlisted August 12,1862, in Company I, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry, spending about three years in the service. He took part in the battles of Hartsville, Vicksburg, Cham- pion Hill and other important engagements. He was slightly wounded at Vicksburg in the neck and at another time was seriously wounded in the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 623 left foot. Upon being discharged from the army he returned to Winchester and for a short time fol- owed his trade, but he had decided to take an interest in agricultural affairs and engaged a farm in Scott Count}- upon which he resided until 186'.». Since that time Mr. Gibbs has been a resident cf North Palmyra Township, and has followed farm- ing, making himself a successful and thorough agri- culturist. He owns about two hundred acres, upon which he has made improvements. He was married in North Palmyra Township, March 12i 1871, his wife being Mary M. O'Neal, a daughter of Lewis L. and Elizabeth (Crum) O'Neal. Mr. O'Neal was born in Bourbon County, Ky., and his wife was a native of Clark County, InL After their marriage in Morgan County, III., they resided there for a few months only and then settled in North Palmyra Township, where they lived until his death, March 23, 1854. They had six children, of whom Mrs. Gibbs is the third in order of age. She was born in North Palmyra Township, Decem- ber 20, 1842. Two children only came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs: James M. and a little one who died in infancy. The subject of this sketch is an active and useful member of society and he has efficiently filled the office of School Director. He and his valuable wife are both earnest and active Christ- ians, he being connected with the Christian Church and his wife with the Presbyterian body. Mrs. Elizabeth O'Neal who is the mother of Mrs. Gibbs, will be written of more fully elsewhere in this volume. dps^ AMUEL J. HAYS. The owner and resi- ^jj£ dent of the farm located on section 34, \/Ji) North Otter Township, is he whose name is above. His father was Samuel Hays, who was born in Martin County, Ind., July 5, 1812. He continued to live in his native State and county until he arrived at nineteen years of age, when he removed to Macoupin County, being one of the early settlers in the State. At that time the peo- ple in Illinois were scattered and the present me- tropolis of the State was only an airy figment in the brains of traders who passed through the coun- try along the lake. While yet a young man Samuel Hays look to himself a wife from among the maidens in his adopted State. His wife's name was Rebecca (Mo- len) Bond. She was a daughter of Aquiila Molen, of Kentucky, and the widow of .Joel Bond. Mrs. Hays was born in Virginia, March 11, 1807. Af- ter their marriage they settled in South Otter Township, but removed to No'-th Otter Township in the fall of 1848, where they have since resided. Mrs. Hays died early in October, 1887. They had four children, three sons and one daughter. Our subject was the third child. His birthplace was South Otter Township, and his natal day, Novem- ber 10, 1845. The years that intervened between his coming into the world and the time he reached his majority were passed as were the days of the average pioneer settler. He lived with his parents until he was married. Our subject learned the blacksmith's trade, but farming has been his chief occupation and his at- tention has been almost exclusively devoted to the improvement and culture of the one hundred and fifty -eight acres that his farm on section 34 includes. He was married in Carlinville, March 24, 1864, to Miss Ellen F. Shores. She is a daughter of Jon- athan and Marinda (Jennings) Shores. Her pa- rents came from Tennessee and settled in Macoupin County about 1859, selecting North Otter Town- ship as the place of their abode. There the mother died; the father passed away in Marion County, this State. Mrs. Ellen F. Hays was born in Wilson County, Tenn., January 4, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Hays are the parents of ten children. The eldest died in infancy; Mary E., is the wife of James Swift; Eli married Miss N. Seymour; the fourth Child died in infancy; Thomas J. died at the age of nineteen; Charles E. and William E., were twins, the former dying in infancy; the next child also died in infancy; the two youngest are George E. and Her by H. Mrs. Ellen F. Hays died in North Otter Township April 18, 1888, having filled the sacred office of wife and mother most graciously and having been an example of patience and un- selfishness to her friends. 624 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Hays was again married* January G, 1889. His second wife was Miss Marinda M. Lowdermilk, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Bentley) Lowder- milk. Mrs. Marinda M. Hays was born in Ten- nessee, May 3, 1847. One child has been the out- come of this union— Albert Ray. The present Mrs. Hays has conscientiously and lovingly taken the place of mother to the children that were lie- reft of their maternal parent Mr. Hays lakes an active interest in political affairs and is a follower of the Democratic party, finding its platform consonant with his own ideas of equity and justice. Under iiis party he has held several minor offices, having been Justice of the Peace for fourteen consecutive years, lie also has been Highway Commissioner for six years and has satisfactorily discharged the duties of School Trus- tee and Director. Our subject with his wife 1 is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He was the first ordained Deacon of the Union Baptist Church in North Otter Township and has been Clerk of that body ever since its organization. ^E EN f,^ INVENT SMITH, who for many years fol- lowed general farming, but is now living a retired life, is the owner of a pleasant home and valuable property situated on section 14, Bun- ker Hill Township. He was born in the city of London, England. June 7, 1808, and is the only child of Vincent and Hannah (Ridgley) Smith. The family is only three generations removed from the crown, and upon their coat of arms is inscribed the stag and seven stars. An uncle of our subject was Lord Mayor of London for some years, and other prominent positions have been filled by his relatives. The father of our subject died when the latter was only three years of age, after which the mother crossed the Atlantic to America in 1816, sailing from Bristol to Boston, Mass., whence she afterward removed to Baltimore, Md., where her death occurred in the prime of life about two years later. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith were mem- bers of the Episcopal Church. After the death of his mother, Mr. Smith lived with an uncle in Maryland for some years, during which time he arrived at man's estate. Shortly af- terward he started out to seek his fortune, and went to Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he spent a few years. He then came to Illinois, locating in Warren County', and a short distance from Mon- mouth, developed a good farm. It was during his residence in that county that on the 25th of Jan- uary, 1840, Mr. Smith led to the marriage altar Miss Rhoda Bird, who was born December 19, 1824, in Massachusetts, and is a daughter of Lemuel and Rhoda (Ridgley) Bird. Her father was a native of Dorchester, Mass., but her mother was born in Will- shire, England, and when sixteen years of age came to America with her parents, Thomas and (Cross) Ridgley. who were also natives of Wiltshire. They embarked from Bristol upon a sailing-vessel, and after eight weeks reached Boston. They settled in Medford, where later Miss Ridgley gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Bird. With her husband and ber parents she came West. Her father died in St. Louis, Mo., at the age of eighty-four years, and Mrs. Ridgley spent her last days in Warren County, dying when well advanced in years, being seventy- four years old. This worthy couple were mem- bers of the Methodist Church, and were highly respected people. From Warren County, Mr. and Mrs. Bird came to Macoupin County, where the former died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Smith, in 1870, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife also dying at the home of Mrs. Smith, aged ninety-two years, three months and three days. She was wonderfully preserved for a person of her a^e, being as bright and active as she was when in the prime of life. Her eyesight had never failed her in the least, and she yet had perfect use of all her faculties. She was a member of the Congrega- tional Church, to which Mr. Bird also belonged. Her father was an Episcopalian in religion, but at the time of the persecution of the Wesleyans in England, he became a Methodist, and erected a church upon his farm, which church is still stand- ing. He had eleven children, as follows: George, John, Thomas, Rhoda, William Stephen, Robert, Eliza and Richard, and three died in infancy. Our subject and his wife began their domestic life in Warren County, whence they came to Ma- IfBRARY Of THE WW*" :> (PwUn J^jjUU^t PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. G27 coupin County, and upon their present farm they have now resided for forty years. Unto them have been born twelve children, but six of that number arc now deceased : Ella M., Lucy and Anna, died in childhood; Cluilus, Hattie and Mary, all died after they bad attained to mature years; Mary E. became the wife of Henry Parker, and died live months after her marriage; Stephen, the eldest of the surviving children, is extensively engaged in farming in Franklin, Iowa; Haney V, is at home; Hannah is the wife of John Boswell, a farmer of Sliipman, III.; Katie E. is living with an uncle in St. Louis, Mo.; Lemuel B. is now in Monmouth; and Edward L., who completes the family is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their children are members of the Methodist Church, and take a prominent part in the work and in its upbuilding. He has served as Steward, Trustee and Class- Leader. A warm friend of temperance, lie supports the party which has taken a pronounced stand in its favor, and votes with the Prohibitionists. True to his convictions of right and wrong, he has lived so that the confidence of the community is accorded him and he has won the good will and good wishes of his many acquaintances and friends. ETER KEPLINGER. Among the old resi- dents and worthy citizens of Honey Point Township is Peter Keplinger, who was born in Washington Count}-, Tenn., August 7, His grandfather, Jacob, removed to that county from Pennsylvania, and buying timber land for a farm became a pioneer and resided in Tenne- ssee until his death. lie had a son John who came to Illinois with his wife, Elizabeth Rubel, to whom he was united in marriage December 18, 180(5, and with them they brought their nine children. They came overland with five horses attached to one wagon and four horses to another, and in addition had a one-horse gig. They journeyed slowly, camping out on the way and after several weeks arrived in Morgan County. John and Elizabeth Keplinger were the parents of ten children, of whom our subject was fifth in 1815. the order of birth. He was fifteen years old when he came to Illinois, and he bad enjoyed but scant opportunities for obtaining an education and school advantages were still poorer in the new home. The family spent some time in Morgan County and then came to a point near Jacksonville. The settlers gathered around the edges of the timber, reserving the prairie for grazing purposes, as it was not then known that the prairie land was good for farming. Peter Keplinger remained at home and worked for his father until he was twenty-one and then began life on his own account. The marriage of our subject to Miss Sarah E. Harris was celebrated February 28, 1889. She was also a native of East Tennessee, being born in Eliza- bethtown, Carter County, May 10, 1820. Her father, Benjamin Harris, was a native of Maryland and a soldier in the War of 1812. Her mother, Mary Ragan, was a Virginian, whose father, Jere- miah Ragan, had been one of the Revolutionary heroes. Both Mr. and Mrs. Keplinger bad brothers who served in the Black Hawk War. Primitive housekeeping was "all the rage" in those days and homemade furniture was most popular. By indus- try and economy the young couple gathered to- gether enough money to purchase some land. Upon it they moved in the fall of 1843, put up a little log house and began breaking the land The nearest market in those days was Alton, and to this place Mr. Keplinger hauled bis wheal and oats, selling the former for forty cents, and the lat- ter for ten cents a bushel. Flouring mills were scarce, the nearest, one being at Edwardsville. There was a rude kind of borre mill which was nearer but it turned out a black looking substance which no housewife uow-a-days would think of making into bread. Our subject has braved the hardships of a pioneer life, and has lived to seethe country dotted over with farm houses of architect- ural beauty, to see first-class [louring mills in every town in the county, and to find a good home mar- ket for every kind of farm produce. His first log house was of crude material and structure and he rived boards to cover its roof. Money was very scarce then anil almost every- thing had to be obtained by barter. Just before coming to the new home he had sold a pair of 028 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. three-year- old steers for $7.50 each, and when a man offered to go to a sawmill to get boards which Mr. Keplinger needed he pulled out his pocket book and the neighbors were astonished at the sight of $15.00. Such a large amount of ready cash was notable indeed, and he was called the moneyed man of the neighborhood. At one time a brother- in-law was hard beset to raise the money to pay his taxes. He had grain but there was no sale for that in the neighborhood. He finally traded some oats for pigs which he was able to dispose of to Mr. Keplinger for cash and thus obtained the where- withal to pay his taxes. For many years the peo- ple lived almost entirely upon the products of their farms and the women spun and wove and made all the cloth that was used in the family. Mr. Keplinger lost by death the wife of his youth August 30, 1887. His second marriage took place March 1, 1888, when he was united witli Mrs. Par- thena (Clark) Crowder. She was born in Randolph County. N. C, June 3, 1826, and is a daugh- ter of Joseph and Sarah (Johnson) Clark. Mrs. Keplinger's paternal grandfather, Robert John- son, was a farmer and carpenter who removed from North Carolina to Tennessee anil there pur- chased a farm upon which he spent his last years. Mr. Clark died in 1827, leaving his widow with a family of small children. She removed to Knox County, Tenn., and died there in 1839. These doubly orphaned children bravely kept together until all were grown, when they secured for them- selves homes of their own and entered successf ully upon life's duties. Mrs. Keplinger early learned to spin and weave flax, cotton tow and wool, and for many years all the cloth used in the famil}- was made by herself and her sisters. In 1850 the fam- ily removed to Illinois and settled in Macoupin County, where she resided with her brothers until her marriage in 1854 to Mr. Mark Crowder. That gentleman was one of the thoroughly self- made men of Carlinville, who at the age of nine- teen started out in life for himself, determined to have a thorough education. After attending the common schools lie entered Shurtleff College at Upper Alton. He attended here for four years, maintaining himself by working at the coopers' trade during vacations. For years he followed the profession of teaching and was afterward Assessor of Macoupin County. He was a private in Com- pany A, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illi- nois Regiment. He was wounded in the thigh at the battle of Parker's Cross Road, and being disabled from further duty, was discharged February 3, 1864. After returning home he en- gaged in mercantile business and was then elected City Marshal. Parthena C. Clark was his second wife and she bore him four children, all of whom have passed away. Peter Keplinger has two children living: James T. and Sarah Ellen. The son married Sarah Entri- can and has seven children : Etfie, William, Peter, Luther, Clara, Mabel and Millie. The daughter is the wife of Luther J. Wilder, and has five children : Meldrum, Newton, Ethel, Earl, and Pearl, the last two being twins. James T. was a soldier in the Thirtieth Illinois Infantry and was with Sherman in his celebrated march "from Atlanta to the Sea". Another son, John, served in the First Marine Brigade of Illinois Volunteers. After one year's service he was taken down with the consumption. His father brought him home from the hospital and sent him to Minnesota hoping that this would re- store his health, but all was in vain. While Mr. and Mrs. Keplinger were living in Morgan County they became connected with the Methodist Church and now belong to the church in Carlinville. The main elements that have entered into Mr. Keplin- ger's success are untiring energy and industry. His character has never been tarnished by any acts of dishonesty and he bears a reputation of strict in- tegrity. He has contributed largely to the progress and growth of the county, and as such a man we are pleased to record his name and present his por- trait to our readers. * . >jf^< . < ■ iRGE KLAUS. The name that heads sketch is that of an estimable, German- merican townsman who, though deceased, still lives in the deeds that redound to his honor and credit. At the time of his death he was the proprietor of a farm located in Nilwood Township. ^p^EOR< PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. G29 Since his decease his son and namesake, George Klaus, has operated the farm in the interest of the widow, and so well has the young man sustained the methods employed by his father in the manage- ment and arrangement of their agricultural inter- ests that there is no perceptible difference in the productions thereof. Our subject was a native of Alsace, Germany, He came to America about 1853 and lirst located in Louisville, Ky., where he remained about two years and then came to Springfield, 111., where he followed his trade, which was that of a shoemaker. This trade he had learned in the old country and until the time of his emigration hither had em- ployed it there to gain his daily bread. He was mar- ried in Springfield to Theresa Netz, in 1855. The lady is a native of Baden, Germany. After their marriage they settled in Auburn, this State, where our subject worked at his trade two years and then came to Nilwood again following his trade for five years. He then turned his attention to farming, which calling he pursued until the time of his death, which occurred in Nilwood Township in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Klaus were the parents of nine children whose names are as follows: Charles; George was married February 22, 1891, to Miss Lena Bheme and lives in Nilwood Township; Emma, Kate, Mary, Frank, William, Walter and Albert. The father with characteristic German thrift, built a comfortable and cozj' home upon his farm, which comprised at the time of his death two hundred and sixty acres. Most of the children have arrived at years of maturity and have gone out into the world to battle for themselves. Charles took to wife Miss Emma Keune and is a resident of Nilwood Township; Emma is the wife of Fer- nando Winter, a son of Fernando Winter, of Car- linville Township and is a resident of South Otter Township; Mary is the wife of William S. Talley, and is also a resilient of Nilwood Township. The widow of our subject was the loving help- mate and co-worker of her husband, gifted with a strong physical constitution and having clear and bright perceptions. Her opinions and estimates were seldom in error, and she has been by her economy and prudence one of the main sources of Mr. Klaus' success in life. She is, as she should be. still the head of the family, and her sons and daughters, who have a sincere affection and pride in their mother, may well look back upon the paren- tal care that she has bestowed upon them and call her blessed. - g - nj H-S-- — KY. LEBIN L. HARLAN is one of the pioneers of 1840, at which date he emi- M\\ grated from the Blue Grass State and lo- cated at Carlinville. He was born in Barron County, Ky., now Monroe, March 19, 1812, being a son of the Rev. George B. and Mary Ann (Kelly) Harlan. The parents were unlives of Vir- ginia. The paternal grandfather of our subject was John Harlan, whose early life was spent in Maryland, and who, after some years' residence in Virginia, became one of the early settlers in Kentucky. The subject of these paragraphs was reared on a farm and obtained such an education as the schools of the neighborhood afforded opportunity for. In 1830 he married Elizabeth Smith, a na- tive of Kentucky, who shared his fortunes until 1866, when she bade adieu to the scenes of time and sense and entered into rest. She had had ten children, three born in Kentucky and the others in this State. Eight of the sons and daughters lived to years of maturity, and of them we note the following: George died in Chesterfield; Margaret Huldah married Samuel Cramer and now resides at Taylorville; William died near Chesterfield; Mary, who was a teacher for many years, breathed her last in this neighborhood; Sarah married Jo- siah Harlin and died in this county ; Harriet, who became the wife of -lames Marshall, died in Ohio; John F. lives on a farm in Chesterfield Town- ship; Alice married .lames H. Christopher and lives near Morrisville. Mr. Harlan was a second time married in 1869, his bride being Mrs. Sarah Nix, nee Smith, who died ten years after their union. When Mr. Harlan came to this county he lo- cated in Carlinville and for a time sold goods, but G30 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Inter engaged in farming. At a still later period he was engaged in the sale of merchandise at Ches- terfield, but for a short time only. He bought a farm in Chesterfield Township and made all the improvements. It consisted of two hundred acres, and Mr. Harlan still owns one hundred and twenty, on which his son John resides. Ho also has prop- erty in the village of Chesterfield, ami, having re- tired from active life, he makes his home in the village. Like his father before him, the Rev. L. L. Har- lan is an earnest Methodist, and since 1810 he has preached the Gospel. His labors have chiefly been as a local preacher, but for a few years he was an itinerant in Christian County. All the members of the family belong lo the same church as himself. He is a faithful publisher of Qospel Tidings and by his example as well as his pre- cepts he inculcates a faith in Christianity that has an important bearing on society. He was reared to believe in the principles of the Whig party and cast his first ballot for Henry Clay. When there seemed no further use for the old element, new issues having arisen, he was one of the organizers of the Republican party in that sec- tion of the country in which he lived. He is a friend of prohibition and a strong advocate of temperance principles. His upright and active life entitles him to respect, and his usefulness dur- ing half a century in this county is unquestioned by its people. -♦-■3»v*- ENRY D. O'NEIL, Sheriff of Macoupin County, is an able and trustworthy official , veil-adapted in every respect for his pres- ent position. He is a native of Carlinville, born April 6, 1856, and is the son of the late John O'Neil. a former respected citizen of this county. The father is a native of the Southern part of Ire- land, and was a son of Thomas and Rose O'Neil who were both born in the same county as himself, and spent their entire lives there. When a young man John O'Neil came to Amer- ica in search of fortune's favors denied him at home. The father of our subject located in Penn- sylvania after his arrival in this country, and was employed in the construction of the Reading Rail- road. At Catawissa he met and married Miss Nancy Klingeman, a native of Columbia County, Pa., and a daughter of John and Lucy Klingeman, who were born in the Keystone State, and w r ere of Ger- man antecedents. In 1852 he came to Carlinville, and was the first section foreman here on the Chi- cago & Alton Railway. He was a man of very in- dustrious habits, and as he was ambitious to secure a home, he carefully saved his money, and in 1861 had enough to buy a tract of wild land near Ship- man, upon which he built, and he developed a good farm in the busy years that ensued. He re- sided there until death closed his useful life June 30, 1879. His good wife survived him until July 2, 1881, when she too passed away. They were the parents of eight children, named as follows: Mary, Jobn, James, Annie, Hugh, Owen, Henry 1). and Stephen A. I). The family was well represented in the late war by John and James, the former serv- ing in the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry and the latter in the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ill- inois Infantry. The subject of this sketch remained an inmate of the parental home until he was twenty-one years old, and then took up his residence at Shipman where he remained until the fall of 1890. During the last ten years that he lived there he was pros- perously engaged in the livery business. In his official position he has shown himself eminently worthy of the trust imposed upon him by his fel- low-citizens when they selected him for this impor- tant place, as he discharges its duties promptly, without fear or favor, and is potent in preserving law and order within his jurisdiction. To the Jady who presides over his hospitable home Mr. O'Neil was married February 24, 1879. Mrs. O'Neil was formerly Miss Mary A. Garvey. She is a native of Dubuque, Iowa, and a daughter of Patrick and Bridget Garvey, natives of Ireland. Her pleasant wedded life with our subject has been hlessed to them by the birth of these three chil- dren — Maggie, John and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil are members in high standing of the Catho- lic Church at Shipman. They stand well in social PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 631 tiieles, ami have many warm friends, as they pos- sess in a full degree those traits of character that indicate true natures ami com maud regard and con- fidence. 'JE^fr i— -j RANK K. WEIDNER, a successful and gen- |— to eral farmer on section 30, of Gillespie /l[ Township, owns one hundred acres and operates an additional one hundred. He has lived on this farm since the spring of 1884 and has in it one of the most substantial places in this section of the country. He has lived in this county since 1872, coming here at that time from Jersey County, where he was born August 12, 18."p7. John G. Weidner, the father of our subject, came as a single man from his Fatherland, Germany, to the United Slates in 1852. He settled in Jersey County, this Stale, and there married Miss Cliris- mothy Lippoldt, who came from Germany when she was a young woman. After John G. Weidner and his wife had improved a large farm in Jersey County, they removed to this county and here purchased a large tract of improved land, where they now live. For further particulars in regard to the family history the reader will please consult the sketch of John have been horn in Virginia, and she died en the home farm in Phelps County. Mo. Ten children constituted her family, nine of w! she reared with careful and watchful solicitude to years cif maturity. The subject of this skeleh WaS bul three years obi when Ins parents removed to Missouri, and was in his eighth yeai when they came to Macoupin County. He remembers with lively interest many incidents of pioneer life in Illinois, ami tells how in those days before reapers were known the grain Was cut with a cradle, and loves to recount the good day's work which his lathe.' could do with this primitive reaping machine, lb- resided with his parents until he reached the age of Iwenty-two. al- ter which he undertook the profession of a teacher, and presided al the desk foi some eight years. Af- ter marriage he bought his father's farm in Barr Township, where he carried on farming until I860. The military career of Mr. Ragan began in 1865, when he enli led February 8, in Coin panj B, Sixty- second Illinois Infantry, joining the regiment at Pine Bluff, Ark., and serving for one year ill that State and the Indian Territory. Willi the other members ol Ids regiment he was honorably dis- charged in February, 1866. After returning home he sold bis farm in Barr Township, and purchased another in South Palmyra Township, and there farmed until 1877. About that time this gentleman decided to re- move to the village of Palmyra, and in 1878 he opened up the hardware business in which he is now engaged. His marriage in 1853, united him with Sarah E. Patterson, who was horn in Morgan County, 111., and died in 1857. Ilis second mar- riage in 1858 was with Margaret (Simpson) Patter- son, a native of Sangamon County, 111. By his first marriage Mr. Ragan lias one child, John, who mar- ried Emily Story, and is the father of four chil- dren, namely: Ollic. William R., Reuben and Mar- garet. Ilis second marriage gave him one daughter, l.'osa Bell, now the wife of ('. 1'. Angelo, ami the mother of four children — Florence J., Bird Ella, Margaret and Una. The political convictions of Mr, Ragan are in accordance with the tenets of the Democratic parly, and his religious belief has brought him in connection with the Presbyterian Church, while his wife is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. In their church relations they are earnest and active helpers in every good work, ami are most valuable citizens. HARLES HOFFMANN. Our subject is one of the successful men of Dorchester; his business is that of a practical blacksmith and a breeder of horses and mules. He came to this village October I, 18G0, establishing here a business as a blacksmith to which he lias devoted most of his time and attention, 'only varying it with that of a breeder of horses and mules, which he has engaged in for the past four years. In this last mentioned occupation Mr. Hoffmann has brought lo bear a knowledge of the physical needs and con- stitution of the noble animals that have led to an improvement of the slock which has been bred under his char-.'. Mr. Hoffman came to the county in 18.58 and lo- cated first at Staunton where be learned the trade of a blacksmith. Soon after this the first call was made for three hundred thousand volunteers to light for their country's lla- and freedom. Our sub- ject soon enlisted in the Fifth Illinois Cavalry of Company I., whose captain was I-;. R. Sparks. The regiment was mustered into the service at Spring- field and our subject who had enlisted August 2, 1861, was with the regiment at their first meeting of the enemy in the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. He was a participant in many skirmishes and engage- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 688 merits that continued until the close of the war. During bis service his regiment was confined to the Western Division of the army. For a time Mr. Hoffmann served as ;i detailed blacksmith and later ns brigade blacksmith, having at the same time fought at the Yazoo River, where the Union forces were defeated, hut later whipped the enemy at Ar- kansas Post. Our subject escaped unhurt from this battle and, except from the exposure incidental to army life, he carried away no evil effects of Ids ex- perience, although his mind was full of incidents of military life. He received an honorable discharge at Springfield, 111., September 5, 1864. lie returned to Staunton, Macoupin County, and engaged at. his trade as a blacksmith. Later he went to Mont- gomery County. .Inly 3, 1865, Mr. Hoffmann was married to Miss Elizabeth Houseman. The lady was horn in Staun- ton, August 2, 1849, She is a daughter of John and Mary (Leonard) Houseman, both natives of Byron, Germany, where they were reared and edu- cated and after their marriage and the birth of one child, they came, early in the '40s, to the United states, settling at Staunton, where Mr. Houseman opened up a smithy, which was the first of its kind in the community. He also has the distinction of having been the first German settler in the place. Mrs. Houseman there died at the age of sixty-live. Her husband passed away in Madison County, live miles south of Staunton, in 18f)7. lie was horn in INK) ami with Ids wife had been a member many years before Ids death of the German Evangelical Church. Our subject was born in Ilesse-Cassel, Germany, in 1842, His natal day being September 26. He is of pure German blood and is the son of Christian and Mary Hoffmann, who were born and reared and ended their days in Ilesse-Cassel. The father's death occurred before the birth of our subject and the widow was left with live small children to care for. She was a second time married, her husband having the same name as that of her first husband. Charles Hoffmann and our subject's mother both lived and died in their native land. The original of this sketch did not leave home until he was sixteen years of age when he set out for the United Stales to make his fame and for- tune. He took passage at Bremen on a sailing vessel, the "Wareotta," and after a long voyage of seyon weeks and two days he landed in New York city, coming thence to Staunton and afterward re- moved to this county where he h;is ever since re- sided with the exception of one year. Mr. Hoffmann and his wife are the parents of six children, they are: William II., Charles A., Mamie M., Theodore D., Minnie .1. and George E, The eldest son has learned his father's trade and is of great assistance !o him in his business. Charles A. also assists his father in his smithy. The other Children are at home anil an' respected as estima- ble members of society. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann are amiable, warm- hearted people who have made many friends in the county. By their energy and ambition they have acquired a competency and have made t hemsel ves a recognized position in the .social lite of their community. Mr. Hoffmann is a member of the odd Fellows, Travelers' Rest Lodge No. 220, of Litchfield, lie is a member also of the .lames Rob- inson Post No. C>2 I, y his son in-law, E. W. Richie. He improved the place and resided thereon until he closed his eyes in the dreamless sleep of death. His first wife, the mother of our subject, wdiose maiden name was Elizabeth How- erton, was born and reared in Tennessee, and died on the home farm in South Palmyra. His second wife was Mary San field, prior to her marriage. He of whom these lines arc chiefly written was but an infant when he was brought to Illinois by his parents, and he has no remembrance of other than his pioneer home here. He attended the primitive schools of those days whenever oppor- tunity offered. The schools were taught on the subscription plan in a log house, furnished with seats made by splitting legs, hewing one side smooth and using wooden pins for legs. Our sub- ject was early taught to make himself useful on the farm, and in time became of great assistance to his father. He continued to make his home with his father the most of the time until he married. In 1848 he engaged with a man to drive a team to Texas, a distance of about nine hundred miles. He passed through the wilds of Missouri and Arkan- sas, and made the journey and return trip in three months. After he had taken unto himself a wife, in 1802, he settled on a farm in South Palmyra Township, that he had previously bought. He resided there- on one year, and then sold it and returned to the old homestead of his father. Two years later he bought and removed to the place he now occupies on section 18. South Palmyra Township. He has added to his original purchase at different times, and now has two hundred and thirty acres of val- uable land, the greater part of it tillage and pas- ture land. Here he has a well-ordered farm, amply provided with buildings, and the income that he derives from his well cultivated fields shows that he understands well how to carry on agriculture to a good advantage so as to garner in good harvests. Our subject is blessed with a wife who is a true helpmate, and does her share in maintaining the prosperity of the family. She was formerly Mary C. Prorfitt, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of Daniel and Sarah Proffltt. Her marriage with our subject has brought them eleven children, namely — Sarah P., Robert T., John A., Mary E., James W., Joseph E., Charles A., Abigail J., Julia A., Albeit and Morrison R. AMES A. McCLURE. The name which heads this sketch is well known among the citizens of this county as being synonymous with honesty, integrity and industry, that of a man who has done his share cowards develop- ing the agricultural resources of this section. Though he is living retired from active business in his pleasant home on College Avenue, Carlin- 640 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ville, he still owns the fine farm of two hundred acres a short distance from the city, which origin- ally belonged to his father. Mr. McClure is a native of Shelbyville, Bedford County, Term., where his birth took place April 12, 1820. His father, who bore the same name as himself, was born in Augusta County. Va., and was a son of the Rev. Allen McClure who, so far as is known, was also a Virginian by birth. He re- moved from there to Kentucky and was a pioneer of Bourbon County. He was a Presbyterian min- ister and preached in several places, including Paris. His last years were spent in that State. The father of our subject was very young when his parents took him to Kentucky. He was edu- cated for the ministry, but as he had no taste for the profession did not pursue it. His mania-.' took place in Jessamine County, Ky.,and after that event he removed to Tennessee and engaged in the mercantile business at Shelbyville, with branch stoies at other places. About 1828 he returned to Kentucky and resided in Jessamine County until 1834, when he came to Illinois with him his wife and twelve children. They started by boat and floated down the Kentucky River to Louisville and thence went by steamer to Columbiana, 111. For a period of one year Mr. McClure resided at Carrollton, and at the expiration of that time came to Macoupin County. Here he entered one hun- dred and twenty acres of land from the Govern- ment in Carlinville Township and became one of its active pioneers. He erected a double hewn log house on his place, and made his home there, his children improving the farm until after the death of his wife, which occurred in 1844. He then went to Washington, D. C, having received an appoint- ment from President Polk as clerk of the land office. He was reappointed to that position by President Taylor, and ably discharged its duties until his death in 1849. He was a man of marked ability and early became prominent in the affairs of Macoupin County. He was Assessor for the county in an early day, and visited every house within its bounds. He also took the census in 1840. The maiden name of his wife was Frances Dickcrson, and she was born in Jessamine County, Ky.. a daughter of Martin and Rebecca Dickcrson. She reared a family of twelve children, six boys aud six girls. Our subject was fourteen years old when he ac- companied his parents to Illinois, and remembers well the incidents of that memorable journey and of pioneer life here. At that time deer, wild tur- keys and other game were plentiful, and roamed at will over the prairies. There were no railways for years, and Alton and St. Louis were the nearest markets. The settlers lived off the products of the farm and the mother of our subject used to clothe her children in cloth spun and woven by her own hands. For some time Carrollton. Hillsboro and Alton were the nearest milling points. Our subject assisted in the improvement of his father's farm, and after he attained manhood took charge of it and finally purchased it. He resided there the greater part of the time until 1883 and so prospered was he in his agricultural operations he was then enabled to retire from active business, and has ever since made his home at Carlinville, where he is still living surrounded by every com- fort that one could desire. In 18r>f> Mr. McClure was united in marriage with llellcn Collins, and these five children have blessed their happy union — Charles and Frank (twins). Milton, James E. and Edmonia. Charles is a graduate of West Point and is now Judge Ad- vocate in the Western army; his wife was formerly Miss Mae Walker. Frank is a hardware merchant and resides in Kane, Greene County; he mar- ried Miss Adella King; Milton is an attorney at Beardstown; he was a candidate of the Republican party for Congress in 1890. He married Miss Rose Orwig; James is a law student and Edmonia is a teacher. Mr. McClure is a man of strong mental calibre who has always used his influence in the right di- rection to promote the welfare of his community. He is pleasant in his intercourse with others, is upright and manly in his dealings, and is held in high esteem by all as a citizen and neighbor. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters, and when the free school system was or- ganized he was one of the first directors elected. In the education of his children he took special care, giving them every advantage, and has a fam- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 641 ily of which he may well be proud. Coming here when the county was little more than a wilderness he has not only witnessed the great changes that have taken place but has had a hand in its devel- opment into a rich and prosperous agricultural center. -*- -3fc- ERBERT H. DE BUHR, a successful dealer in wines and liquors, claims Germany as the land of his birth. He was born in the (j§J) Kingdom of Hanover, on the 25th of July, 1850, and is a son of Heie and Anna (Slaughter) De Buhr, who spent their entire lives in Hanover. The father came of an old family who had lived there for many generations and its members mostly followed farming as a means of securing a liveli- hood. The parents of our subject became quite well off and owned a farm valued at more than *1 0,000. Mr. De Buhr, who was born May 8, 1813, died on the 8th of December, 1890, having sur- vived his wife about five years. She died at the age of sixty-five in the faith of the Lutheran Church, to which he also belonged. Their family numbered ten children, five sons and five daugh- ters, all of whom grew to manhood and woman- hood and were married, while nine still abide. Seven of the number came to this country and six of those are residents of Illinois. One of the soils served for three years in the late war and is now located in Christian County, III. Herbert De Buhr, our subject, who is the sixth in order of birth, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native province and acquired a good education in the public schools, being thereby fitted for the practical duties of life. In the sum- mer of 18C7, he secured his passage upon a sailing vessel which reached New York City after a voyage of five weeks from Bremen. He was then seventeen years of age and hence his entire business career has been enacted in this county. He came at once to Illinois, having since resided in Mt. Olive and vicinity. For seven years he worked as a farm hand and by industry and economy saved the money necessary to begin business on his own ac- count. He now owns one of the finest bars in the city and his saloon, situated on the corner of Main and Poplar Streets, id a favorite with the public. He has carried on business in this line since 1878, and thereby has acquired all the property which he now possesses. Mr. De Buhr has been twice married. In this county he wedded Miss Anteje Arkebauer, who was born and reared near Mt. Olive and died at her home in this villiage in the autumn of 1882, when only twenty-five years of age. At her death she left two children, Mary and Henry. Mr. De Buhr was again married in this locality, his second union being with Anna Thimes, who was born near her husband's childhood home in 181)4, and when a young lady came to this country. Their union has been blessed with four children — William, John, Anna Amanda and Julia. Mr. and Mrs. De Buhr are identified with the Lutheran Church and to its support contributes liberally. He has also been a generous contribu- te r to all enterprises calculated to upbuild or bene- P.t the community and is regarded as one of the leading German citizens of Jit. Olive. In politics he is a Democrat but has never sought or desired public office. J^ ylLLIAM HOUNSLET. The fame of the Prairie State as a desirable home for Brit- ish subjects who were desiring to better their condition and transfer their families to the New World was early spread abroad in England. This led many valuable emigrants of the better sort to leave their homes in the British Isles and to seek the prairies of Illinois. Among these in- telligent and frugal emigrants we find the name of William Hounsley, our subject, who was born in Yorkshire. England, His father, William Houns- ley, Sr., and 1 i Is mother, Ann Simpson, were worth}' and intelligent natives of Yorkshire, where they lived and died. They had six children in their home, of whom our subject was the fourth. The one of whom we write was born May 10, 1827, and grew to manhood in his father's home. He was mainly occupied with work upon a farm, 642 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. but during the last few years of his stay in Eng- land be was employed in some of the seaport towns as a corn porter. In March, 1867, be came to the New World with his wife and one child, and made his way directly to the Eastern States and to this garden of the West. He found a home in Polk Township, this county, and here he lived for six years and industriously managed and worked a rented farm. After that be removed to South Palmyra Township and took a rented farm for seven years. By frugality and industry he had carefully husbanded his resources and was now able to purchase a home of his own. In March, 1881, he bought the farm where be now lives on section 1, of Bird Township. This fine farm, which is now in a splendid state of cultivation and upon which Mr. Hounsley has erected an excellent set of farm buildings, con- sists of nearly one hundred acres. Here he devotes himself intelligently and perseveringly to the in- terests of his farm, carrying on general fanning and stoek-rnising. The great event of bis life — even more important and influential for good than his coming to America — was his marriage in Hull. England, to Miss Charlotte Proctor, a daughter of Thomas and Ann Proctor, both of Yorkshire, England. This lady was born in our subject's native town abut the year 1839. To Mr. and Mrs. Hounsley have been given two sons, who have lived to cheer and bless their par- ents, and who are a credit to them and a benefit to the community in which they live. William H. was born in England, November 15, 1866, and came with bis parents to this country. He is now a teacher. Thomas P. was born in Polk Township, this county, May 25, 1868. Mr. Hounsley is one of the Highway Commissioners of the township, and has taken an active part in the local affairs of the town in which he lives, and also an interest in the affairs of the county. In religious matters they have ever been alive and active and have worked in connection with the Methodist Epis- copal Church, of which they are members, and where be is a Class-Leader and Trustee. The maternal grandmother of our subject was Amelia Simpson, who lived to the advanced age of nine- ty-seven years, and who enjoyed the use of all her faculties up to her latest days. She was much re vered and respected and was affectionately known as Millie Simpson. The father of our subject was a man of great devotion to his religious duties. His death was caused by a shock he received while leading a horse which he had been driving. The horse took fright and he was thrown under the wheels of the cart, which passed over him. He was carried to Goole Hospital, in Yorkshire. He had been fore- man many years in Whitgift Hall, but had resigned bis position previous to his accident. The respect and esteem with which this family and especially Mrs. Hounsley is regarded as worthily bestowed. «1 fifelLLIAM M. CHILES, one of the prosper- \f\/l/ ous anf ' thorough going farmers of Bird Jj/vy Township, makes his home on section 12. 1 1 is father was the late John G. Chiles, a native of Virginia, in which State his mother was also born. Her maiden name was Elizabeth F. Wills. The family removed from Kentuck}' to this county in 1833 and settled on the line bet veen North and South Palmyra. Here they resided until 1845, and then removed to this township. They bad ten children of whom our subject was the eighth in number. The father died in 1853, the mother in 1875. The father was a soldier of t: e War of 1812, and his father, James Chiles, was a Revolutionary soldier. William Chiles was born in this aunty June 2, 1834, and be has always resided near the old home- stead. He has been engaged largely in farming and stock-raising. In 1857 he began dealing ex- tensively in stock and is now one of the oldest shipper to the Chicago market, whilst at the same time be has carried on his general farming opera- tions. The buildings on his property aae complete and commodious and are a credit to the township. He owns three hundred and thirty-five acres of land, which he has in a splendid state of cultiva- tion. Mr. Chiles' first marriage took place January 6, 1859, in Greene County, with Miss Mary M. Brad- Of THE r^ i ./ k ^PSBwt'- AttJf* /U-ff-xo'Ui ^^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 645 ley, a native of that count}'. She became the mother of six children. George, who married .Mat- lie Aulabough, and died in Nil wood Township in August,1884 ;Robert E.,who married Miss Ida Bird j Lillie E., the wife of George W. Denby; William M., Jr., who married Miss Ella Wade; Thomas W., who married Miss Eva Adams, and Charles E. The mother of these children was an earnest and con- scientious member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She died September 1 1, 1871. The second marriage of our subject was solemn- ized in Carlinville. The bride was Miss Christina D. Morse, a native of the State of Missouri. Five children have blessed this happy union, namely: Flora M., Walter, Frank S., Grace D., and one who died in infancy. In politics Mr. Chiles has ever been identified with the Republican party, but he has never been an office-seeker, although he has served his township in the office of Assessor. Both he and his excellent wife are faithful and efficient members of the Baptist Church, and the family is one which is highly esteemed by all who know them. Our subject's brother James was First Lieutenant of Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-second Regiment and was in the last en- gagement of the Rebellion ; his youngest brother, G. W. L. Chiles, died at Camp Butler; the eldest brother died at Palmyra, this county. 1 AMES M. MILLS. This gentleman is among the most public-spirited and enterprising citizens of North Palmyra Township and has a splendid farm witli a fine set of build- ings upon section 10. His father. James Mills, was born in New York, and las mother, Sarah Coon rod, a native of Virginia, came when a young woman to Morgan County, Hi., while the State was yet a Territory. Here she met James Mills and they were united in the bonds of matrimony. They died in what is now known as Scott County, Mr. Mills passing away in 1835, and his widow surviv- ing him until March 18, 188:3. Six children re- sulted from this marriage, of whom our subject was the second. m James Mills wa's born in what is now Scott County, this State, October 18, 1827, and there he grew to manhood and chose a partner for life's joys and sorrows. He was married November 21, 1850, to Miss Julia A. Pierce, a daughter of Stephen and Edith (Lowe) Pierce. He was a native of New York and Mrs. Pierce was a Missounan. Their daughter Julia was born in Morgan County, this Suite, July 25, 1832. Of her family of seventeen children, six died in infancy. Those who lived to years of maturity are: James M. Jr., Stephen R., George W., Fannie, Eliza, Julia M., Charles A., Abram, John W., Sarah E., and Lewis C. Their mother died in North Palmyra Township, October 18, L882. In North Palmyra Township,November 27, 1884, Mr. Mills was a second time married. His wife was Mrs. Louisa (Solomon) Yowell, a daughter of Lewis and Nancy (Fink) Solomon, and a widow of Henry IT. Yowell. Mr. Vowell died June 15, 1864, leaving one child by this marriage, George M. Yowell. Mrs. Louisa Mills was born in North Palmyra Township, May 3, 1837. Her father, Lewis Solomon, was born April 1, 1812, in Ken- tucky, and died in North Palmyra Township, April 1, 1886, expiring upon his birthday. His wife Nancy Fink was born in Lexington, Ky., February 22, 1818, and died September 18, 1863. Mr. Mills was reared upon a farm, and agricul- ture and stock-raising have constituted the chief business of his life. 1'pon his farm he has erected a nice set of buildings and his land is well im- proved. He and his wife together are the owners of six hundred and forty acres of as good soil as can be found in Macoupin County. He is liberal in his religious views and in politics he adheres to the doctrines of the Republican party. His son, James M. Jr., married Sarah E. Crayne; Stephen R. married Minnie Rose; George W. took to wife Mary H. Waters; Fannie died August 31, 1880, when a young woman of twenty-four years; Eliza is the wife of Edmund Coots; Julia M. married Palmer Waters, and died March 28, 1884, when about twenty-five years old. Charlie A., married for his first wife Miss Effie Waters, who died July 6, 1883. His present wife was before her marriage with him Mrs. Mary (Willis) Arnett. Abrara is 646 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. married and resides in P.oise City, Idaho. That this family has resided for so long a time in Macoupin County has proved an advantage in every way to their neighbors and to the prosperity of that sec- tion of country. In connection with this biographical notice a lithographic portrait of Mr. Mills appears on an- other page. BENJAMIN F. SILSBY, a retired farmer re- siding at Carlinville, is a native of this State, coming of sturdy pioneer slock, his parents settling in Illinois in early times. He was horn in Greene County September 5, 1830, the fifth child in the family of six children of Enos and Fannie (Baker) Silsby. They weir natives of Vermont. In 1828 they came Westward and located in the wilds of Greene County. When our subject was about eight years old they removed to Jersey County, where the father carried on his occupation as a farmer and there the remainder of his life was passed, his death occurring January 21, 1842. The mother 'spent her closing years in Macoupin County, dying August 27, 1877. The subject of this biographical review grew to manhood amid the pioneer scenes of Jersey County and was educated in the common schools. He early gained a sound practical knowledge of farm- ing and chose that calling as his life work, making it his chief vocation until retirement from active business. In 1860 he took up his residence in this county, locating in the western part of Chesterfield Township, near Summerville. lie lived there until after his marriage in 1864, then he and his wife be- gan their wedded life on a farm in Bird Township, pleasantly situated four miles west of Carlinville. Mr. Silsby devoted his energies to the cultivation and improvement of his land, and in due time made of it a good farm. It is still in his posses- sion and from its rental he derives a good income. It comprises two hundred and eighty acres of choice land, and is amply provided with all the necessary buildings. So successful was our subject in the management of his affairs he was enabled to retire from agricultural pursuits with a comfortable competence when yet scarcely past the meridian of life, removing from his farm to Carlinville, in the spring of 1881, where he has since resided. To the wife who has been so important a factor in bringing about his prosperity Mr. Silsby was married June 8, 1864. Mrs. Silsby, whose maiden name was Rebecca Palmer, is of New England birth and antecedents. Vermont is her native State anil she was born September 28, 1834. Her marriage with our subject has brought them three children, of whom Fannie O. is the only survivor. Edward E. died when three years of age, and Thirza died in infancy. Our subject's character and life-record are such as to commend him to the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He is a sincere Christian, carrying his religion into his every-day life, and an active member of the church, and of all things that will in any way tend to elevate the status of the community. ISoth he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, which he has served faith- fully as an Elder. In politics Mr. Silsby is a sound Republican. He has been Highway Commissioner and School Director, and in both capacities he worked zealously tor the good of the township. ■^fl®-*"* NDREW ALLEN. The English settlers ^J| in this country are apt to have a clannish A tendency, and where you find one family you generally have not to look far for several others. There are many English farmers in Shipman Township, some of whom have retired from active or agricultural pursuits and are living in the enjoyment of village life. Our subject, Andrew Allen, is one of these. Mr. Allen's father was William Allen who was born in Lancastershire, England. His mother was ■ Mary Goodyear, also of England. They emi- grated to America in 1819 and in 1821, they set- tled in Wilmington, Del., at which place the parents passed away from this life. Our subject was one of Dve children, he being the second in order of birth. His advent into this life of turmoil and labor was made in Lancastershire, England, March PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 647 11, 1815. He was only six years of age when his parents settled in Delaware. He grew to man- hood in Wilmington, or in its immediate vicinity. While a boy he was employed in a cotton factory some three or four years and after that time he was reared on a farm. Our subject's father purchased a cotton factory and Andrew soon learned to manage it so well that the entire charge of the institution was placed in his hand. It was located near Wilmington. He after look charge of the weaving department in the Franklin Mills. These mills were also located in Wilmington. lie held that position for about five years at the end of which time he resigned, after which he went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he was engaged in the same business for about five years. He then returned to Wilmington acting in the same capacity for several years until he came West in 1858, induced by the flattering promises in stock-raising and agriculture. In the spring of the year above named he came to Illinois and was em- ployed for two j'ears as a farm laborer. At the end of that time he purchased the farm in Shipman Township, where he settled and made his home for three years. So thoroughly had Mr. Allen adopted the ideas and principles of his foster land that he was ready to fight for unj r of the principles that it held dear and on August 12, 1862. on the second call for volunteers for the Federal Army of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company II, of the Eighty-eighth Illinois Infantry and served for three years, lie participated in that time of trial with the brsve Americans that held freedom dearer than life in the battles of Perry ville. Stone River, and that of Nashville. In the battle of Stone River he was wounded in the spine and was never after able to do active service. He was transferred to the Second Battalion of the Veteran Reserve Corps and stood ready in time of emergency to give a blow for the right. When the war was over Mr. Allen returned to Shipman Township, where with the exception of about two j'ears when he lived in Missouri he has been a resident. Mr. Allen was married in Delaware to Mary Walker who was a native of that State. She bore him five children, only one of whom sur- vives This is a daughter. Louisa who was the wife of Joseph R. Tulle v. Mrs. Mary Allen died in Wilmington. Del., and after coming West our sub- ject again married. This time his union was with Elizabeth (J. Justison, who was born in Delaware March 29, 1825. The original of this sketch naturally takes an interest in the politics of the country for which he fought. He is a Republican, casting his vote with that party. Both he and his wife are active mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially he is a member of X. B. Buford Post No. 156, of the G. A. R. lie also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Allen secured three patents on gingham weaving looms that were at once universally adopted. He also has patented one of the handiest farm gates now in use. —*> «|] "Cf> V— UILLIAM STEWARD, a retired farmer, living at Shipman, is a man whose honor- ty% ! able life career is well worthy of record on these pages. He was born in Maniton Town- ship, Salem County, N. J., December 5, 1820. His father was Joseph Steward, and he was also a native of that State. He in turn was a son of Nathan Steward, who, so far as known, was born in New Jersey, and was a descendant of some of the early Scotch settlers of that State. The first ancestor of the family to come to America from his native Scotland was Joseph Steward. He first located in Berks County, Pa., whence he removed to New Jersey prior to 1794, and theie died. He married Alice Wright, a daughter of Joshua Wright. The next in line was their son Joseph, who married Bridget Middleton. Their son Joseph married Ann Rollins, and their son Nathan Steward was the grandfather of our subject. He spent his entire life in New Jersey, his occupation being that of a farmer. He married Rachel Mor- gan, who was a daughter of Jonathan and Bath- sheba Morgan. He died April 11, 1811. The father of our subject was reared in his native Stale. He learned the trade of a tailor and follow. 648 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ed it until he was twenty years old, when he aban- doned it for farming, buying a farm in Salem County. He pursued agriculture until a few years before his death, which occurred in that county January 31, 1870, at a ripe age. In early manhood he married Sarah Rogers, a native of Burlington County, N. J., and a daughter of Abner and Lydia (Tilton) Rogers, and a granddaughter of William Rogers. She survived her husband until October 30, 1874, and then she too passed from the scenes of earth to that home not made with hands. Those worthy people reared twelve children to useful lives. Their son of whom we write parsed his early life on the New Jersey farm that was his birthplace, remaining an inmate of the parental home until he attained his majority. He then rented land, and carried on agriculture on his own account. In 1855 he resolved to take advantage of the superior facilities offered by the rich virgin soil of Illinois to all who were willing to undergo the hardships and privations incident to life in a country that still retained much of its primitive condition. He traveled by rail to Pittsburg, thence by the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Alton, and from that point by rail to Brighton. For two years he rent- ed land, and at the expiration of that time he bought land near the village of Shipman, for which he paid $30 an acre. While he resided on his farm he placed it under excellent cultivation, and greatly increased its value by many substan- tial improvements. He made money by his farm- ing operations, and in 1876 he bought a cozy home in the village of Shipman, and here he and his good wife are living retired from active labor. The marriage of our subject with Miss Rebecca Abbott was celebrated January 5, 1843, and for nearly half a century they had lived happily to- gether, furnishing their friends an example of a true wedded life. To them eight children have been born, four of whom are living — William H., an attorney at Carlinville; Milton R. and Ben- jamin F., merchants at Columbus, Kan.; and Fannie, their only daughter, who married Henry Huskinson, of Shipman. Mrs. Steward is, like her husband, a native of Salem County, N. J., born May 2, 1819. Her father, Joseph Abbott, was a native of the same county, and was a son of Joel Abbott, who was born in England of English parents, he being a son of Joseph and Mary (Graysburg) Abbott. lie mar- ried Mary Graysburg, and died in Salem County. Mrs. Steward's father was a farmer, and his entire life was spent in his native county. He married Sarah Torton, who was also a life-long resident of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Steward are both devoted mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are people of kindly natures, whose warm hearts prompt them to extend sympathy and substantial help to all who are in trouble or in want, and they are held in affection and reverence by the entire neighborhood. Mr. Steward is a strong temper- ance advocate, but he is no third party man, he being a true Republican in his political views. .ILLIAM II. II. IIOU1NE, Ex-Mayor of pJII Carlinville, has been carrying on business ! Jff in this city for a number of years, and has a sound reputation as a good financier and public- sprinted citizen. These qualifications for the high- est position in the gift of the people of the city, were strengthened by his agreeable manners and integrity of character, and his friends have had no reason to regret having placed him at the head of the municipal government. He is an old soldier, who fought the enemy on man}' a famous battle- field and cheerfully bore the hardships of a soldier's life during the memorable Civil War. Mr. Ilorine was born in Williamsport. Washing- ton Count) - , Md., August 20, 1840, and his ances- tors for at least two generations were natives of the same State as himself. His father, Henry Alexander Ilorine, was born in Washington County, Md., and was left an orphan at an early age. He then went to make his home with an un- cle on a farm, and remained there until after he had entered his 'teens, when he learned the trade of a carpenter. This he followed until 1850, then bought a tract of land in his native county, and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 649 gave his attention to fanning during the remain- der of his life. His death occurred in 1869. His wife, the mother of our subject, bore the maiden name of Maria Krebs ; she died in 1847, when Will- iam was but seven years old. After the decease of his mother he of whom we write remained with his father, attending the pub- lic schools, and assisting on the farm until he was twenty years of age. He then went to Hagers- town and for a time worked at the machinists' trade. August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Maryland Infantry, in which he seivcd until the close of the war. He fought at the Wil- derness, Laurel Hill, Todd's Tavern, Spoltsylvania, Harris Farm, Jericho Mills, Tatopotomy Church, Magnolia Swamp, Bethesda Church, Gobi Harbor, Weldon Railroad, Jerusalem Plank Road, Chapel House, Hatchie's Run, Dobney Mills, and in the battles around Petersburg from June 13 to July 30, and those of Warren's raid. He was present at the capture of Petersburg and at the surrender of Lee. Mr. Horine rose from the ranks to the position of first Corporal, and in 1861 was made Second Lieutenant, and as the Captain and First Lieutenant were sent on detached service, he had command of the company until the close of the war. He was honorably discharged at Arlington Heights, May 18, 1865. Mr. Horine next engaged in the photographic business at Cumberland, Md., but in 1866 removed to Chicago, where he operated in that art some three years. He then came to Carlinville and opened a studio, which he carried on until 1872. In August of that year he bought a jewelry establishment, and since that time has conducted the business, and hns come to be known as one of the reliable dealers of the city. He has a good home, which is made cozy and attractive by the housewifely skill and pleasing qualities of the lady who became his wife in 1874. Her maiden name was Anna B. Bell, and she is a native of Alabama. The happy union has been blessed by the birth of two children — a son and a daughter, whose names arc William H. and Anna Mary. As would naturally be supposed, Mayor Horine is connected with the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, and he is a comrade in Dan Messick Post, No, 339. He is also identified with Ml. Nebo Lodge. No. 76. F. & A. M.; Macoupin Chapter, No. 187; and Orient Lodge, No. 95, K. P. Mr. Horine is a stanch member of the Republican party, and on that ticket was elected Mayor in April, 1889. ^gh*"^ ¥ OHN HAGGARD, who owns and occupies a fine farm in North Otter Township, is known throughout this county as a prosper- ous farmer and as an enterprising auction- eer. His business has brought him an extensive acquaintance and he is universally respected for those traits of character that have made him suc- cessful and have won him a place among our most useful citizens. He is a native of this State, a son of one of its early pioneer families, his birthplace being two and one-half miles northwest of Waverly, Morgan County, where he first opened his eyes to the light of day, April 23,1836. Samuel Haggard, the father of our subject, was a native of Tennessee and a son of Edmund Hag- gard, who was born in Pennsylvania. The parents of the latter went to Tennessee in the early days of its settlement and were pioneers of that State. They were massacred by the Indians. The grand- father of our subject was married in Tennessee and lived theie until 1829, when he came to the wilds of Illinois, bringing with him his family and all his earthly possessions with teams. He entered a tract of land at Long Point, Morgan County, and was one of the first to settle in that region, which was then in its primitive condition, with but few white inhabitants, and deer, wolves and other wild ani- mals were very numerous. In 1850 Grandfather Haggard sold his place there and took up his resi- dence in this county, biding wild land four miles northwest of Virden, which be improved into a good farm. He resided upon it some years and then removed to Virden, where he lived retired until death closed his mortal career. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Andrews, also died at Virden, The father of our subject was a young man when he came to Illinois with his parents. He married 650 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in Morgan County, taking as his wife Maranda Grant, and for three or four years thereafter he was engaged in the mercantile business three miles west of Waverly. He subsequently turned his attention to agriculture, buying a farm on the south line of the county. He lived there seven years and l lien went to Long Point, where he rented land which he farmed for three years. He next bought a place in North Otter Township, which he retained in his possession a few years. He then took advantage of a good offer to sell it, and going to Yirden, re- sided there until 1864. From that time until Ids death, in 1875, he made his home with nis son, of whom we write, where he was tenderly cared for in his old age. His wife preceded him in death, liv- ing in 1860 at Yirden. John Haggard passed his early life on a farm, gaining a clear insight into practical methods of carrying on agriculture, and during his boyhood he attended the public schools whenever opportunity offered. He commenced fanning on his own ac- count in 1860 and has been interested in it ever since, although he has not given it his entire atten • tion, as he is a man of much enterprise and has branched out into other business. For a time he had a grocery at Yirden and for upwards of twelve years he has been the auctioneer of this section. He possesses in a good degree the keen judgment, quick discernment and promptness necessary to make one succeed in that calling and he gives gen- eral satisfaction to ell who employ him in that ca- pacity. His farm, which is in a desirable locality, is well managed, its fields are under good tillage and its buildings are in good order. Mr. and Mrs. Haggard entered upon their mar- ried life January 29, 1863, and it has been blessed to them by two children, Samuel and Mary. Sum uel, who lives at Virden, married Ida Loving and they have one child, Oscar Claud ; Mary married David A. Richardson, of North Otter Township, and they have one child, Ethel Mabel. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Haggard's name was Sarah A. Clack. She is a native of North Otter Township, her present home, and she was born February 17, 1846. Her father, James B. Clack, was a native of Kentucky, and his father; William Clapk, is a|so thought to have been. The latter came from that Slate to Illinois in a very early day of its settlement and was one of the first to locate at North Otter Township, where he died in 1856. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Bell, died at the home of her son-in-law, John Haggard. Mrs. Haggard's father was young when he came wit his parents to their home in this State. He was married in Auburn Township, Sangamon County, to Alary A. Walters, a native of Indiana and a daughter of James and Lydia Walters, who were natives respectively of Virginia and North Caro- lina. He entered a tract of Government land on sections 2 and 3, North Otter Township, and bus- ily engaged in its improvement, until death closed his career of usefulness in 1855. Mrs. Haggard's mother spent her last years at Virden. Our subject and his wife hold a warm place in the hearts of those about them, as they are always kind, charitable and helpful in their intercourse with others. Mr. Haggard is interested in all that concerns the welfare of his county and in his poli- tical views he is a decided Democrat. Socially he is a member in good standing of Virden Lodge, No. J 61, A. F. &A M. Mrs. Haggard is a con- sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which finds in her one of its most earnest workers. 'SC =se^ ^ps-^ft AMUEL R. STE1DLEY, of Palmyra, is a \>fe# native of this county, who was one of the ill/^j) brave citizen-soldiers that it sent to the front during the late war, and who has also borne an honorable part in promoting its ag- riculture, and has been prominent in its public life. He was born on a farm in South Palmyra Town- ship March 25, 1838. His father, Josepn B. Steid- ley, was a native of Virginia, and resided near Fredrieksburg many years. After marriage he re- moved to Ohio in 1830, and spent the ensuing six years amid the wilds of that State. In 1836 with his wife and six children he came to Illinois, mak- ing the entire journey by land, and bringing their household goods with them. Mr. Sleidley bought a tract of land located four miles from the present site of the village of Palmyra, and in the log house PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 651 that stood thereon our subject first saw the light of day. A few acres of land were cleared and fenced, and the father busied himself constantly in making improvements until his death in January, 1861. The maiden name of his first wife, mother of subject, was Elvira Rowland, and she was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., a daughter of Samuel Rowland. She died on the home farm in 184'.). Eleven of the children born of her marriage were reared to manhood and womanhood, namely; Dan- iel G-., Mary Elizabeth; Solomon J., Sarah Ellen, Lucy Ann, Elvira V., Samuel, Joseph S., James William, Luzetta Jane and Thomas J. Mr. Steid- ley's second wife was Elizabeth Cherry, and she bore these four children, — Henry M., La Eayette, Harriet J., Wilmer L. The subject of this biography was reared to man's estate in his native township, which at the time of his birth was sparsely settled, and the sur- rounding country was in a wild condition. For some years Alton was the nearest market, where the farmers sold their produce and obtained their supplies. Deer, wild turkeys and other game helped to eke out the scanty fare of the pioneers, as the people had to live on what they could raise on their farms, and many things now considered indispensable were then unknown luxuries. The mother of our subject used to cook befoie the fire in the open fireplace of old times, and her bus}' hand spun and wove the cloth with which she clad her children. Mr. Steidly obtained his education in the prim- itive pioneer schools of that day that were con- ducted on the subscription plan, the first that he attended being held in a log house. As soon as large enough he became useful on the farm, and continued to assist bis father until he had attained his majority. His faiher gave him his time when he was twenty years of age, and he continued to help him a few months, and then worked for others a few months. After that he worked land on shares until the war broke out. In the month of September of the opening year of the rebellion, when he had settled up his affairs preparatory to joining the army, our sub- ject threw aside all personal aims and ambitions to aid his Government as a soldier, enlisting in Co. A, Thirty-second Illinois Infantry and he served nine- teen months with credit,, retiring from the ranks only because he was no longer able to do military duty on acount of injuries received in battle. He helped capture Ft. Donelson anil was present at Shiloh. He was twice wounded in the first day's battle by a bullet striking the right breast and coming out under the right shoulder blade, and while lying en the field after that he was nit in the shoulder by a piece of shell, and while suffering mortal agony he was captured by the enemy. The next day he was rescued by the Union soldiers and was taken to the hospital at Mound City, where lie was honorably discharged from the army March 25, 1863 on account of disability from his wounds. His brother, James \V.. was in the same company as himself, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh. As soon as he was able after his bitter experience of military life, our subject resumed farming, biry- ing a farm in Barr Township, which he retained in his possession until 1869, when he sold it at a good price and bought another in Bois D'Arc Township, Montgomery County. He actively engaged in agriculture in that locality for several years, but in 1887 he retired to Palmyra, where he has a pleasant home, replete with comfort and abound- ing in contentment and happiness. Mr. Steidley and Miss Susan E. Range were united in marriage April 7, 1864. Mrs. Steidley was born in Washington County, Tenn., and is a daughter of Jefferson and Elizabeth (Hall) Range. Our subject's patriotism and the value of his citizenship has been proven no less since the war by his conduct as a civic official and in all the re- lations of life, than when he helped to defend and preserve the Union. He is an influence for good in the public life of his community and in promoting its special and moral status. He was formerly a Democrat, but since the war, the Re- publican party has found in him a strong advocate. He served three terms as Justice of the Peace in Bois D'Arc Township, but resigned that position when he removed to Palmyra. In 1890 he was the choice of his fellow citizens for the important office of Mayor and he gave the city a good ad- ministration. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was eighteen 652 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD years old, and his name is associated with its very good work. lie served as Class-Leader eighteen years, and he has also been Trustee, Steward, and teacher in the Sunday-school. His wife has been been a life-member of the American Bible Society since 1875. y^ILLIAM WHEELER, of Bird Township, is a son of John Wheeler, whose biograph- ionl sketch is found elsewhere in this Rec- ord. This son was born in Hush County, Ind., April 15, 1833, and he was an infant of six months only when his father removed to Greene County, and one year later when he came to Macoupin County, and made his home in Bird Township. Here he grew to manhood and here be has always made his borne. His marriage took place in Western Mound Town ship, in February, 185G. His bride was Mary J. Lee. Her parents were Obediah W. and Rebecca T. (Sullivan) Lee. Mr. Lee was a native of North Carolina, and Mrs. Lee was born in Tennessee. There they spent their early married life and came thence to Illinois in the winter of 1830-31 and made their first home in Jefferson County, this State. Thence they removed to Greene County, and afterward to Macoupin County, where the father died in Western Mound Township. Mrs. Wheeler is the fourth in a family of twelve chil- dren. She was born in Greene County, this State, September 21, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are the happy parents of six living children, namely: Jasper W., who mar- ried Emma Loveless; Arthur C, who married Miss Dora F. Jackson; John, Mary E., the wife of Allen Bar, Alvin L., and Ollie L. E. Two of their children have passed before them to the better world: Lydia M., who died when a beautiful young lady of nineteen years and Edgar E., who was snatched from their arms at the tender age of five years. Mr. Wheeler's interest in educational affairs, has been shown in his efficient service as School Di- rector and School Trustee. His political belief is embodied in the platform of the Democratic party, and he takes an active part in local politics. Both iie and his good wife are earnest and zealous mem- bers of the Shiloh Baptist Church. Here he has filled the office of Trustee and also that of Deacon, lie is a member of the Chesterfield Farmers Mu- tual Fire Insurance Company and is ever awake to the interests of the farming community as he has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. His home farm consists of seven hundred and twenty- four acres of rich and productive soil, two hundred and sixty-two of which lie in Bird Township. Upon these he has erected a handsome residence and excel- lent farm buildings, and the whole property shows by its neat appearance that it belongs to an enter- prising and thorough farmer. \ A. NIGH BERT, a prominent and influential citizen of Barr Township, has his pleasant home on section 10. He is of Southern parentage: his father, George, having been born in Botetourt County, Vn., October 27, 1789, and his mother, Nancy Albrigbt by name, being born in Virginia in May, 1795. She died in Botetourt County, June 9, 1831. Mr. Nighbert emigrated from the Old Dominion to Easter.] Tennessee and after a residence of six years there came to Illinois in the fall of 1840 and settled in Scottville town- ship, where he died October, 1865. They had a large family of children, of whom our subject is the youngest, being born in Botetourt County, Va., September 29, 1827. Young Nighbert was but seven years old when he journeyed on foot with his father from Virginia to Eastern Tennessee. The family carried with them their household utensils, and this little fellow's share of the burden was the family coffee pot. It was in 1840 when he came to Macoupin County, and since then he has been a resident here with the exception of one year which he spent in California, in the mines at the time of the gold-mining fever. The marriage of this young man, September 11, 1851, took place in Scottville Township to Miss Margaret Ann Crura, daughter of the late Gordon Crtim who was born in Clark County, Ind. Her liBRARV OF THE urnvr**- > PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. G55 mother was Sedonia Rucker, a native of Wood fonl County. Ky. They were married in Morgan County. III., and from there came to Macoupin County early in the '30s and settled in Barr Township, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Of a fam- ily of nine children, Mrs. Nigbbert was the eldest, being bom in Morgan County, 111., March 26, 1 834. Since their marriage our subject and his wife have always resided in Scottvtllc and Barr Townships. Mr. and Mrs. Nighbert were blessed by the birth of seven children, all but one of whom have lived to prove a comfort and joy to their parents. The}' are: George G.; James D., who married Miss Lillie Malone; Joseph W.,who married Miss Flora Cline; Louie S.; Ella L., who died in infancy; Adah 15., and Erasmus Man ford. Our subject has filled the office of Highway Commissioner in Scottvillc Township for three years, and being a Republican in politics and a public-spirited man of decided opinions, takes a lively interest, in political move- ments. He is an active and earnest member of the Universalist Church. He has a fine farm, well improved, comprising five hundred and forty- eight acres and he has devoted himself largely to agricultural pursuits, his judgment and experience making him more than ordinarily successful in his life work. DD1SON H. ELDRED, who lives in rctire- ?§py|i ment from active business after a life spent in agricultural labor, resides at his home ■QJ on Johnson Street, Carlinville, where he enjoys the results of his early labors. Mr. Eld red is descended from worthy ancestors and his life lias been such as to add lustre to an honored name. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Moses Eldred who came at an early day from Connecti- cut to New York, and settled in Herkimer County, where he died. The father of our subject, Moses S. Eldred, was born of New England parents about 1801, and after a brief life spent in usefulness his decease took place about the year 1833. The mother of our subject, Clarissa (Brace) Eldred was born in New York, and she still survives. Our subject is one of a family of four children, as follows: Moses S., Addison II., Julius A. and James L. Mr. Eldred first saw the light of day in Greene County, 111., the date of his birth being December 1, 1828. He remained in the county in which he was born until he had arrived at years of manhood. This period was occupied as are the lives of farmer lads, with incidents of school life and farm work. Ilis attention has been given to agricultural pur- suits during the greater part of his life, and lie has acquired a thorough, practical knowledge of the best methods of farming. Mr. Eldred was married in Greene County, 111., March 3, 1851. His wife, whose maiden name was Laura Woolley, a native of Greene County, this State, her birthday being September 27, 182!». Her parents were David an 1 Laura (Hodge) Woolley, both natives of Washington County, N. Y. After their marriage the young couple resided in Greene Ccounty for five years then removed to Polk Town- ship. Macoupin County, and settled on a farm which continued to be their home for a long time. In company with his brother, Moses S., the origi- nal of our sketch, erected a fine series of buildings on the farm which comprised three hundred and sixty acres. By strict economy and industry on the part of Mr. Eldred and Jiis wife, they have been able to accumulate more than a competency, and their labors, directed by intelligence, have been crowned with success in every direction. From the time our subject was a young man he labored in com- pany with his brother, Moses S., who in company with him owned the farm mentioned above. Mr. Eldred and his estimable wife became the parents of two children: Myron II., who died when thirteen years old; and Milton K., who passed away in infancy. Politically Mr. Eldred inclines to the Republican platform, of which he is an ar- dent adherent. He is liberal in his religious views, his belief being rather in the religion of humanity. Since removing to Carlinville he has erected a fine brick reside. ice, and here, retired from the active duties of life, he with his family is spending the afternoon of life in enjoyment of the more agree- able features of life. Mrs. Eldred is a Hue type of 656 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. womanhood and presides with grace and dignity over their hospitable home which is full of evi- dences of culture. In connection with his sketch a lithographic por- trait of Mr. Eld red is presented to our readers. jNy* AJ. FLETCHER II. CHAPMAN, of Car- / I linville. is a fine representative of the III Is native-born citizens of this county who * have exercised a marked influence on its affairs, and have in various ways contributed to its social, educational and material advancement. He was an officer in the Union Army during the late war whose military record added lustre to the fame of the brave and efficient soldiery of his Stale, and he has since won honors at the bar that entitle him to a leading place as a lawyer. Maj. Chapman was born in Staunton Township, Macoupin County, April 15, 1828. and is a son of one of the oldest pioneer families of this section of Illinois. His father, Richard Chapman, was born in North Carolina, and was a son of Joseph Chapman, who is believed to have been a native of the same State. The father of the latter was a Virginian by birth, and removed from the Old Dominion to North Carolina prior to the Revolution, settling in Tyrrell County, of which he was a pioneer, and where he pursued his occupation as a farmer, and there died in the fulness of time. The grandfather of our subject served in the Revolution, and was in Gen. Greene's command at the battle of Guilford Court House. He passed his last years quietly working at his calling as a farmer in Tyrell County, N. C. He married Betsy Caswell, who is thought to have been a native of Tyrell County, whither her father had removed from his native Virginia in Colonial times. Both of the great-grandfathers of our subject served in the war against the Indians, and received land from the colony of Carolina for their services. The father of our subject was reared in his na- tive State. He was a natural mechanic, and was equally skillful as a carpenter, wagon-maker, cooper, tanner and shoemaker, all of which trades he pursued at different times. In 1818 he removed from North Carolina to this State, accompanied by his wife and five children, making the journey overland, bridging with him his household goods, lie had a horse and cart and a part of his posses- sions were packed on another horse that he owned besides. He started in May, and in August landed in St. Clair County. He rented a tract of land, raised a crop, and in December, 1819, sought an- other location, coming to this county, that then formed a part of Madison County, and settling in what is now Dorchester Township. He thus be- came one of the earliest pioneers of this section of the State, which was then practically uninhabited, and was in its primitive condition, with numerous deer, bears, wolves and panthers that often were troublesome to the few settlers that had ventured within their haunts. There were no railways for years, and St. Louis, about forty miles distant, was the principal market, though it was then but a small city of a few thousand people. At the same time that the Chapman family settled in the county the families of Telemachus Camp, Richard Wil- helm, Whitmill Herrington and Richard and John Chapman came also. Mr. Chapman settled on a tract of land from the Government lying in section 24, built a log cabin for the shelter of his family, and at once actively entered upon the hard pioneer task of clearing and developing a farm from the wilderness. He re- sided on it five or six years, and then traded his claim with a Mrs. Piper for a claim to a tract of prairie land on section 29, Staunton Township, and later borrowed money at twenty-five per cent, in- terest to enter Government land. About 1837 he sold his land and entered another tract in the same township on sections 4, 10 and 15, and built on section 10. He improved a part of the land, and resided on it some years. After his wife died he lived with a daughter in Montgomery County, and there his death occurred in February, 1872, in his ninetieth year. Celia Davenport was the name of his wife, and she was born in Tyrell County, N. C, a daughter of Isaac Davenport, a native and life- long resident of that State. She died in July, 1852. She was the mother of seven sons and five daugh- ters, all of whom grew to maturity and manied, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 657 Tbe parents of our subject were both true Chris- tians and ardent Methodists. Tbe tirst meetings of that denomination in this county were held at their house, and for many years divine services were conducted in their home, which was always a welcome abiding place for tbe traveling preachers on their rounds. Maj. Chapman was the youngest of tbe sons in the family, and be has passed bis life entirely in this the county of his nativity with tbe exception of the years devoted to bis country as a loyal and patriotic soldier. He gained tbe preliminaries of his education in the pioneer schools of his early years. The first school in the neighborhood in which he was born was taught in a log house with no floor, said building having been erected Ivy Abram Wyatt for a smoke bouse, and it was located on section 30, Staunton Township. As soon as he was large enough he began to assist in carrying on the farm. At tbe age of twenty he commenced teaching in Cahokia Township, and after teaching two years went to school at Hillsboro, as be was ambitious to extend his education. In 1853 be was elected County Surveyor, and served in that office the ensuing six years. In 1858 he began tbe study of law. The breaking out of the Rebellion found our subject well-equipped for the profession that be was about to enter, but he cheerfully laid aside his plans to help fight his country's battles. In May, 1861 he enlisted in Company C, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, but was transferred in September of the same year to light artillery. He bad the honor of being commissioned Captain of his company, and commanded it until February, 186 2, when it was consolidated with Company I), First Regiment Light Artillery. The company then became Com- pany B, of tbe Second Illinois Light Artillery, our subject being commissioned as Senior First Lieu- tenant, which position be held until March, 1863, when be was promoted to be Captain, his commis- sion dating back to December, 1862. He retained that rank until the end of service. In the month of June 1864 he was appointed Provost Marshal, and stationed at Columbus, Ky. He acted in that capacity until July 1865, and was then honorably discharged with his company, After his return to Carlinville from the South Maj. Chapman was admitted to the bar, and has practiced law here continuously since. His pro- fessional life has been varied by the cares of public office, as he has been called from time to time to time to fill responsible positions. He was Police Magistrate from 1866 to 1869, County Superinten- dent of Schools four years, and he has also been City Attorney. He was in early life a Democrat, but he left the army a confirmed Republican. In 1890 he was tbe candidate of his party for Con- gress. Socially, he is a valued member of tbe Dan Messick Post, No. 339, G. A. R. A man strong in character, of unblemished reputation, a wise and safe counselor, and liberal and progressive in his views, he has ever been an honor to the citizenship of his native county, and to such as be it owes its present high standing among its sister counties. Our subject has been twice married. In 1854 he was wedded to Miss Sarah McCreery, a native of Orange County, N. V. Their marriage was but of brief duration, as the young wife departed this life in April, 1857, leaving two children, Ida F. and Emily M. In 1862 Maj. Chapman was mar- ried to bis present estimable wife, formerly Miss Cecilia Burns, a native of Dublin, Ireland. Their wedded life has been blessed to them by the birth of a daughter, Charlotte E. ftt-^ ENRY T. NAIL, of Honey Point Town- )V ship, is conducting a fine farm of two hun- dred and forty acres on sections 13 and 24. A native of Illinois, and a son of one of the pioneer families, Mr. Nail was born at Jerseyville, February 1, 1846. His father, whose given name was Daniel, was a native of North Carolina, born in that State January 15, 1803. He in turn was a son of one Henry Nail, who was a German by birth, and came to America when a young man, settling in Rowan County, N. C. ' About 1824 he removed from there to the wilds of Indiana, going thither with teams and locating in Shelby County, where his last years were spent. Daniel Nail was reared in his native State, and 658 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. accompanied his parents to their pioneer home in Indiana, where he resided until 1830, when he too became a pioneer, coming witli his wife to Illinois, with a pair of horses and a wagon, and casting in his lot with the early settlers of Greene County. He located near Carrolton, after living there six years, crossed the Illinois River into Calhoun County, where lie was a pioneer. He purchased a tract of land at Gilead, and busily engaged in the hard labor of developing it into a farm. At that time the country roundabout was but sparsely set- tled, and deer and other wild game still abounded and often furnished food for the families of the early settlers. Mr. Nail resided in that place for a period of six years and then coming to Jersey County, lie bought property in the village of Jer- seyville. Later he came to Macoupin County and made his home with his son, where he quietly passed away, July 15, 1 80 1 , aged eighty eight years and six months, surrounded by every com- fort that one could desire. Although old and firm he was cheerful and good company, and his mental faculties were good. The maiden name of his wife was Cynthia Watts, and she was born in Indiana, a daughter of Thomas and Eleanor Watts. Her death took place in Jersey ville in July. 1878. Our subject is the only survivor of the children born to bis parents. His home was in his native county until 1S80, and there he was married to the lady who has since been his faithful and effi- cient helpmate in 1871. She was formerly Miss Isabella Leigh, and is a daughter of Joseph E. and Elizabeth (Wharton) Leigh. The former was born in Lancashire, Eng., in 1816, of which shire his father was also a native, and his name was Thomas Leigh. He came to America in 1828. After residing for a while in Pennsylvania, he re- moved to Trenton, N. J., and there passed away full of years. The father of Mrs. Nail settled in Jerseyville, this State, in 1840, and for some years followed his trade of baker there. He took parr, in the late war, serving in Company F, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and later in the regiment known as the ''Graybeard, and he showed himself to be a brave and capable soldier. The old veteran died January 15, 1888, at the Soldiers' Home at Day- ton, Ohio, His wife departed this life before he did, dying at Jerseyville in 1868. The union of our subject and his estimable wife has been blessed to them by the birth of four children, named Kate Maude, Daniel Henry, William A. and Mary J. In 1880 Mr. Nail took up his residence in Honey Point Township on the farm that he now occupies. This choice, highly productive prairie land, and is well cultivated so as to produce the best results, as our subject is an intelligent and expert farmer. He is also accounted a good citizen, and his neighbors and associates look upon him with due respect for the genuine worth of his character. He is a stanch Republican in his political sentiments, and stays by his party whatever betides. ..-l.= ~=sg*^! A IVILLIAM L. MOUNTS, a member of the \/\l/l Macoupin County Bar, and proprietor of yfy the Carlinville Gas Works and the Electric Plant of this city, in C. II. C. Anderson's Bank and who has charge of his wife's interests, is a fine representative of the prosperous young busi- ness men of this section of the State whose energy and ability have put new life into its varied inter- ests, and who are in various ways contributing to the material prosperity of city and county. He is a native of Carlinville, born August 31, 1862. He is descended from an old French family that came to America in early Colonial times, and num- bers among his ancestors pioneers of the historical Northwestern Territory and neighboring States. The father of our subject, Leander W. Mounts, was born in Warren County. Ohio, in November. 1829. He in turn was a son of Watson Mounts, who was a native of the same county, born about 1799. The father of the latter, William Mounts, great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Richmond, Va., and was a son of Providence Mounts, who was a native of the city of Nancy, France. He was there reared, and came from there to this country on account of religious persecution in early Colonial times. He was accompanied by his brother Joseph and sister Sini. The latter mar- ried James Freeman, of Richmond, Ya. Provi- dence Mounts resided at Richmond for a time, and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 659 then removed to that part of Virginia now included in Ohio County, W. Ya., of which he was a pio- neer. He with others laid out the village of West Liberty, and he was prominent in the councils of his fellow-pioneers. He finally went from that lo- cality to Pennsylvania, and was one of the first to settle near Uniontown, that State, he being the first to cross the mountains after Braddock's de- feat. He died in the home that he founded there. William Mounts, the great-grandfather of our subject, went from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, and after a short residence in the wilds of that State, he crossed the Ohio into the Northwestern Terri- tory and located in the primeval forests in that part of Ohio now included in Warren County, whither but few had ventured before him. He hewed a farm from the wilderness, on which he re- sided until his life was rounded out in death. The grandfather of our subject was reared and spent his entire life in his native county, dying in May, 1875. He was a farmer by occupation. He mar- ried Nancy Lindsey. a native of Bourbon County, Ky., who was born in 1799 and died in August, 1878. The father of our subject lived in his native county dming his boyhood, and at the age of six- teen, learned the trade of a carpenter. After serv- ing his apprenticeship he went to Mississippi and engaged in carpentering there for a time. He then returned northward and pursued his calling at Cin- cinnati and other places, and in 1854 located at Louisville, where he worked at his trade until 185G, when he came to Greene County, 111., and was similarly engaged at Fayette one year. In 1857 he came to Carlinville, and was a carpenter here until 1871, when he entered the lumber busi- ness, which lie conducted two years. Since that time he has lived retired. He was married at Louisville. Ky., to Elizabeth Phillips Davis, a na- tive of Grayson County, Ky., and a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Davis. Their marriage has brought to them three children: Flora G., wife of Alexander Bell, who is represented elsewhere in this volume; our subject: and Walter S. He of whom we write obtained his early educa- tion in the city schools of Carlinville. and subse- quently entered Blackburn University, from which he was graduated in the Class of '81. After that he taught school a part of each year, and devoted the rest of the time to the study of law in the office of Anderson .V Bell. In 1885 he was well prepared to enter upon the practical work of his profession and was admitted to the bar. The same year he opened an office in his native city, and has been in active practice since, obtaining his full share of clientage. Not only has our subject shown much ability as an attorney, but he has also displayed marked talent as a business man, as through his superior man- agement the gas works, of which he is now proprie- tor, have become a paying institution, and the electric light plant, of which he is the owner, is in a flourishing condition. June 1. 1889, he took charge of the gas works, which then belonged to his father-in-law, and had been managed by a su- perintendent, and owing to neglect had depreciated in value and usefulness. In the same fall our sub- ject came into possession of the works, which had already begun to show new signs of life under his vigorous regime. He had set to work in earnest to resuscitate the works and to build up the busi- ness with the result that in a few months he had practically driven the electric light company out of the field. He finally bought the electric plant, and now operates both with good profit, and the inhabitants of Carlinville rejoice in a well lighted city. Mr. Mounts was wedded to Miss Effie M. Ander- son, June 18, 1885. Mrs. Mounts is also a native of Carlinville, bore. June 18, 1865, to Crittenden II. C. and Mary J. (Stratton) Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. Mounts have a charming home that is the center of a genial hospitality, courteous host and gracious hostess vying with each other in extending a pleasant welcome to their friends, of whom they have many, whenever they cross their threshold. Two children complete their household, Bruce II and Marion E. Our subject is well known in social circles as a member of Mt. Nebo Lodge, A. F. & A. M.j and of Orient Lodge, No. 95, K. of P. He cast his first Presidential vote for G rover Cleveland in 1884, and has remained true to the Democratic party ever since. In the fall of 1886 Mr. Mounts 660 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was appointeil to the important office of City Treasurer, served until the end of the term, and was then elected to the position of City Attorney for one year and in the spring of 1891 was elected Mayor. He carried the same earnestness and busi- ness-like methods into his management of the municipal finances that had characterized his care of his own private affairs, and left the office with a fine record as a civic official. — l-+f=^<^4-»-J- RS. ELIZA SMITH. The respected and revered mother of the two prosperous young farmers located on section i), West- ern Mound Township, is a lady whose German parentage and varied experiences in the different localities in which she has lived, tits her for the high position among those who are regarded with esteem and consideration. She is the widow of Solomon T. Smith, who was born in the early part of this century in Virginia and there received the advantages of boys common to his district. Mrs. Smith's parents were Garret and Elizabeth Brown, both natives of Germany, who emigrated to this country in 1837, locating first on the James River in Virginia. There they lived and died, finding the genial climate and warm Southern manners very pleasing to their social German natures. They were the parents of eight children, of whom our subject was the eldest. She was born in Germany, November 1, 1826, and was married after her arrival in this country, in Bedford County, Va., December 3, 1840. Her husband, Solomon T. Smith, was born in Accomack County, Va., August 10, 1840. Immediately after their marriage the young couple settled in Bedford County, Va. They soon removed, however, to Rockbridge Count3', and there resided until the fall of 1857, when they emi- grated to Illinois and settled in Western Mound Township, where Mr. Smith died October i), 1872. Our subject's husband was a public spirited man and took delight in maintaining his part in every measure that affected the public good. At the time of his deatli he was a member of the Christian Church in whicli he was in good standing. Mrs. Smith is the mother of five, children — James H., Thomas E., George W., Ezekiel Y. and John W. The eldest son is a merchant in Greenfield, 111., where he carries on a successful and lucrative bus- iness; George W. died in Texas; Ezekiel Y. was taken away from earth when about twelve years of age. After the death of their father, Thomas and John Smith assumed thecare of the farm. It aggregates two hundred and eighty acres and under the ener- getic care of the two young men affords a good income to both proprietors and their respected parent. They have erected a comfortable home on the place and put thereon many valuable improve- ments. Mrs. Smith, who has reached a good old age, lives happy in the consciousness of the affec- tion and dutiful care that her sons are happy in giving her. She is a member of the Christian Church. Thomas and John Smith are adherents of the Democratic party. | ESSE B. HETTICK. Prominent among the farmer residents of Scottville Town- ship, we find the gentleman who is repre- sented in this biographical sketch. His enterprise and industry have given to him pros- perity and his sterling character and integrity have bestowed upon him the well-merited confidence of his neighbors and the business men of his part of the country. He has grown up in this community from infancy to manhood and his career through- out has been consistent and worthy of admiration. He was born on the Hetlick homestead in Scott- ville Township, March 27, 1853. His mother Delilah and his father Stephen are spoken of more at length in the biography of J. W. Hettick. He of whom we write received his fundamental education in the public schools and during vaca- tions assisted his father upon the farm, thus learn- ing the practical arts of agriculture and receiving a drill which has been of incalculable value to him through life. He resided with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-one, and at that time PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 6G1 began farming for himself on the old homestead, remaining there until 1883, when he transferred his home to the farm which he now occupies. While still managing the old homestead and in the year 1877 Jesse Hettick was united in the happy bonds of wedlock, his bride being Martha J. Turner, daughter of James and Mary Turner natives of Illinois, now deceased. This lad}- was born in Greene County. III., and she became the happy mother of seven children: Albert W., William E., Jesse B.. George R., Mary S., James Allen and Hattie R. The political belief of him of whom we write this life history has led him to ally himself with the Democratic party, in the prosperity and progress of which he feels a lively interest. Both he and his excellent wife are earnest and active members of the United Brethren Church. This gentleman belongs to three of the prominent social orders, being a member of the Oak Hill Lodge No. 82, of the Farmers' Alliance, and of the Scoltville Lodge No. 226, 1. O. O. F. * ooo UILLIAM T. MITCHELL, a resident-farm- er of Honey Point Township, is well- WW known as a representative of one of the early pioneer families of this count}*, of which he is a native, his birth taking place in what is now Brushy Mound Township August 25, 1838. His father, Elijah MitchelljWas born in North Carolina in January, 1800, and was a son of Archibald Mitchell, who is supposed to have been a native of the same State. From the best information at hand we learn that the great-grandfather of our subject was born either in Scotland or in Ireland of Scotch antcedents, and came to America in Col- onial times, settling in North Carolina, where he made his home the rest of his life. Archibald Mitchell was reared and married in North Carolina. In 1805 he penetrated the wilds of Kentucky and cast in his lot with the pioneers of Warren County, that State, where he carried on farming until his career was brought to a close. The father of the subject of this notice was five years old when his parents took him to their pio- neer home in the Kentucky wilderness, and there he grew to a stalwart manhood. Indue time he mar- ried, and in 182!) came to Illinois with his family, bringing ti is household goods with him, and mak- ing the removal with ox-teams, cooking and camp- ing by the way. After a residence of one year in Marion County, he went to Morgau County, where he rented a house and lived until the spring of 1831, when he came to this county, and was one of the early settlers of what is now Brushy Mound Township. At that time this section was but thinly inhabited, and Carlinville was but a hamlet of a few log houses and one store. The home of Mr. Mitchell's nearest neighbor was five miles distant, lie entered eighty acres of Government laud on section 24. A cabin stood thereon which some squatter had abandoned and after he had taken his goods from the wagon the father of our subject pro- ceeded to tear the cabin down, and then replaced it by a better one. Later he built another log house, which was covered with shakes that were rived by hand and held in place by poles, the floor was of [luncheon, and the chimney of earth and sticks. He subsequently erected a log house, and later a frame and here he resided until death called him from the scenes of his many years of labor and he entered upon eternal rest August 17, 1877. During his long residence here of nearly half a century he had accumulated a goodly amount of property, and at one time had over a thousand acres of land in this county and fourteen hundred' acres in Kansas. His name will ever occupy an honorable place among those of the pioneers who were the most active and enterprising in the upbuilding of this part of the State and were potent in advancing its agricultural interests. Elijah Mitchell was twice married, and was the father of twenty-one children, eighteen of whom were reared. His first wife, mother of our subject, was Jane Moore. She was born in Kentucky, and died in 1 .S43 on the home farm. She bore her husband twelve children, eleven of whom attained to matu- rity, namely, Millie, Levi, Martha A., Elizabeth, Travis, Lucy and Sally (twins), Jane, William T., Phiube anil Elijah. Mr. Mitchell's second wife, 662 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. whom he married in 1849. was Hannah Hollings- worth. A review of her life appears elsewhere in this work. William T. Mitchell was reared in his native township, and received his early education in the pioneer schools, which were taught in a rude log house that was heated by a fireplace, and a log was cut out of the wall nearly the entire length of the building to admit light. There was no floor, and poles were split to make benches, which were sup- ported by wooden pegs. These primitive seats were entirely destitute of backs. At that early day game was plentiful, deer being numerous for some years after the Mitchell family settled here. There was no railway, and the markets and delicts for supplies wen.' Alton and St. Louis. Our subject resided with his parents until lie be- came of age, and then started for himself, working by the month for two months, and during the winter season chopping wood, for which he received seventy-five cents a cord, his board costing him $2 per week. He was very industrious, and prudently saved his earnings, and finally rented land for two years. His father then gave him a tract of seventy acres of wild prairie, on which he settled in the spring of 186:!. and where he has since resided. He now has one hundred and nine- ty acres of very productive land, which is in a fine condition as to cultivation and improvements, and he has thirty-five acres of valuable timber land. lie has erected an excellent set of frame buildings, and his place has an air of neatness and thrift that betokens good care and fine management on the part of the owner. Mr. Mitchell and Miss Mary N. A. Williams were married February 28,1861.and their wedded life has been mutually beneficial, and has given them four children, whom they have named Jesse C Paul, Travis, and Nannie. Jesse married Rosa Perrine, and they have one child, Nona. Travis married Alice Barnstable and they had one child, deceased. Mrs. Mitchell is a native of Knox County, Tenn., and is a daughter of Jesse and Sarah Williams. Both she and her husband are members of the Baptist Church, and in all things in which it is con- cerned for the moral and social advancement of the community we find them active co-operators with their pastor and fellow-members. They are highly regarded by all who have the pleasure of knowing them for their many sterling characteristics. Poli- tically, Mr. Mitchell is a warm supporter of the Democratic part}'. OBERT R. COOPER. Prominent among the farmers of Barr Township, is the citizen of whom we now write. His excellent buildings and thoroughly cultivated farm are an ornament to this section and are both attractive and profitable. His tract of four hun- dred and forty-five acres is one of the most pro- ductive in the township and in every way shows the hands of a thorough-going farmer, who has de- voted his life to agricultural pursuits and who carries on his work according to business-like methods. Edmund L. Cooper, the father of our subject was born in Virginia, as was also the mother, who burr the maiden name of Mary M. Perry. When young people they came to Kentucky from their native state, and there became acquainted and were joined in marriage. Their second emigration was from Christian County. Ky., to Greene County, III., which place they reached in the spring of 1836. Here they lived until the death of the mother in March, 1886, having reached the very advanced age of ninetj-three and one-half years. Her aged husband who survives her was ninety-two 3'ears old in September, 1890. The subject of this sketch was the fourth in a family of eight children, being born in Christian County, Ky., January 22, 1828, and came when a little lad of eight years to Greene County, this State in the spring of 1836. He was reared by his parents and given a good district school education and a thorough training on the farm. He remained with his parents until he was married and then settled in Barr Township. Mr. Cooper was married in Greene County, this State, to Nancy A. Parks, who was born in Tennes- see, October 1, 1829. Their wedding day was December 9, 1850. Three of her seven children Of THE UNIVF""- #^^o PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 665 died in infancy and those who grew to maturity are: Henry E., who is a farmer in Greene County, this State; Adrian E., who farms in Barr Town- ship; Mary E , who died when nineteen years old; Lucy Belle, who became the wife of John W. Olhert and died when about twenty years old. The mother of these children passed from earth in Barr Township, June 22, 1868. The second wife of Mr. Cooper was Elizabeth Ridings, a native of North Carolina; she became the mother of two children, Frank aiul Edna, the latter dying in infancy. Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper died in Barr Township, February 3, 1871. The present Mrs. Cooper bore the maiden name of Mary J. Bacon and she was a Tennesseean by birth. Six children have been granted to her, namely: Ella D., Fred, Edgar, Charlie. Hattie M., Jennie P. Mr. Cooper has not been an oflice- seeker but at the request of his fellow-citizens has acted as School Director. He takes an active part in local politics and is a Republican in his views and vote. He is also interested in religious move- ments and witli his excellent wife is an active member of the Baptist Church, where for a number of years he has served as Deacon. He is also a member of the Patrons of Industry and is wide- awake in regard to all movements which look to the improvement, socially, financially and indus- trially, of the farming community. - "g - » ' Ii ' S - ^T^EOEGE S. BROWN. One totally unac- l| I f their eight chil- dren our subject is the eldest and was born in Franklin County. Ky., December 11, 1823. He accompanied his parents to Morgan County in 1828 and grew to manhood upon a farm there, assisting his father until his marriage. When the war with Mexico broke out he enlisted as a soldier in de- fense of our country, lie was a member of Com- pany D, First Illinois Regiment, and was present at the battle of Buena Vista. With three other men he was taken prisoner. They were shot down while Mr. Brown made an almost miraculous escape. The marriage of our subject in Morgan County October 23, 1848 united him with Mary S. Wood, a daughter of Thomas and Lucrelia (Fry) Wood, both natives of the Blue Grass State. They re- moved to Morgan County in 1829 and lived there and in other parts of the State, dying finally in that county, he about 1845 and his wife about 1883. Of of a family of seven children, Mrs. Brown was the eldest, she being born in Bourbon County. Ky., July 7, 1829. After their marriage this young couple settled down to make their new home in Morgan County and engaged in farming there until about the year 1881, when they removed to Sangamon County and made i* their home for four years. After thai they came to Macoupin County and made their home on section 15, North Palmyra Township. At, one time Mr. Brown owned fully one thousand acres of land. Six children came to cheer their hearts and three they have seen grow to years of maturity two of them having established homes of their own. William T. married Miss Anna Thomp- 666 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. son and makes his home in Jacksonville; Cordelia C, is the wife of Henry .1. Myers; Leonard G. is a graduate of the Business College at Jacksonville. The children whom they lost were taken from them in infancy. The surviving members of the family belong to the Presbyterian Church. In political movements our subject ever takes an active interest and is a worker for the Republican party in whose principles and success he has great faith. He has held school oflices but prefers the quiet life of a farmer. Both he and his excellent wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian Church, and he has contributed liberally to the support of religious objects, and also for the build- ing of churches, not confining his donations to his own denominations. In 1889, with two brothers, he donated *7,500 to the Illinois College at Jack- sonville and this is known as the Brown Endow- ment Fund. As a man of wealth Mr. Brown has gladly used his possessions both for the good of others and the comfort of his family. His beautiful residence embodies many valuable and modern improve- ments and is furnished with exquisite taste. His brothers, Reuben and Charles Brown, are residents of Pawnee Township, Sangamon County, and are men of influence in that section of the State. Mr. Brown was one of the organizers of the bank of Modesto, Brown, Nevins & Co., constituting the firm. Together with the other members of the family, Mr. Brown is highly esteemed in the com- munity and his influence is always given toward a true manner of life and the uplifting of humanity. ., LBERT II. McALISTER. Prominent in the farming community of Macoupin County is this gentleman, who is known as the owner and operator of a fine farm of three hundred acres on section 18, Shaw's Point. Township. Although not one of the oldest settlers of this county he has for many years been identified with its progress and has contributed his quota to its development. He enjoys an enviable reputa- tion not only as a capable, energetic farmer but has made a good record as one who works well for the public. In various offices he has demonstrated his ability and judgment and in business and political ciseles is spoken of as a man of honor and tact. He is now serving his second term as Supervisor of the township, and has been School Director, Trustee and Township Clerk, besides holding several minor offices. Believing the interests of the people are best subserved through the principles of the Dem- orcratic party, he gives his influence and casts his ballot for those candidates who are pledged to its support. An active worker in the ranks of his chosen party, he is well informed and takes an I « i — tercst in the progress of affairs, not only near at hand but in the remoter regions of the earth. The parents of Mr. McAlister were natives of Ontario, Canada. The father, Wellington by na.ne, still resides in Brant County, that province, but the mother, whose maiden name was Samanlha Brown, has been dead for many years. The family was small comprising only two children and of these our sud- ject is the younger. He was born in Brant County, Ontario, March 4, 1840, and passed the first eigh- teen years of his life on his father's farm, where he aided in preparing the Ian 1 for cultivation and ac- quired a thorough knowledge of agricultural affairs. He had few of the educational advantages enjoyed by the youth of to-day, but being an intelligent ob- server and thoughtful reader, he is well informed on all important topics and current events. At the age of eighteen \ears Mr. McAlister ac- companied his uncle, Capt. Owen McAlister, to Ill- inois and located in Macoupin County. Here for a time he worked at different occupations, farming, carpentry and also taught school for three terms. Since he first came here he has been a continuous resident of this county, with the exception of six years passed in Montgomery and Christian Counties. He has devoted his attention principally to gen- eral farming and stock-raising, from which he de- rives a satisfactory income. He was married in Bunker Hill Township, this count}', to Miss Char- lotte Brown, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Brown, This lady died in Carlinville, 111., October 12, 1879. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. McAlister was again married April 26, 1880, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 667 choosing as his wife Miss Sarah Chapin, who was born in Brant County, Ontario, December 16, 1842. Mrs. McAlister is the daughter of Lyman and Ma- tilda (Fairehild) Chapin, both of whom died in Brant County, Ontario. She is a devoted member of the Baptist Church, and an active member in that organization. Her fine character, intelli- gence and hospitality win for her many warm friends and with her husband she is held in the highest es- teem wherever known. -€r**- i vATIIAN R. SMITH, a thrifty farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 26, Dor- chester Township, where he owns and oper- ates a good farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres, is numbered among the honored pioneers of the county of 1841, and lias therefore been a wit- ness of almost its entire growth and development. A native of Illinois, he was born in Greene County, December 5, 1838, and is the eldest son of Thomas and Mary (Chatain) Smith. His paternal grand- father, Nathan Smith, was horn and reared in North Carolina in the usual manner of farmer lads and for many years resided near Raleigh. He served his country ns a private during the Revo- lutionary War and died at the age of sixty-three years. He had been twice married, both times in North Carolina to ladies of that State. His second wife survived him and died at a very advanced age. Thomas Smith, father of our subject, was born on the old homestead near Raleigh, N. C, in 1813, and was the eldest of quite a large family, seven of whom came to Illinois, while one is yet living, being a resident of Irving, III. At about the time when Thomas attained his majority his mother died and soon afterward with other mem- bers of the family he emigrated to the West and made a settlement in Staunton Township. Macou- pin County, 111. A short time afterward he re- moved to Alton where he wedded Miss Mary Chatam, a native of Virginia. Her father died when she was nine years old and subsequently she accompanied her mother to Tennessee, where the latter died some years afterward. Miss Chatam came on to Illinois and located in Alton, where she met and married Mr. Smith. They settled on a farm in Greene County, and after the birth of their first child removed to Madison County, whence, after some years, they came to Macoupin County. In Staunton Township Mr. Smith made his first purchase of land, the tract being now situat- ed within the corporation limits of the city, which, however, was then a mere hamlet. Upon that farm the father resided until his death, which oc- curred May 29, 1852. In politics he was a Whig and was a worthy citizen. His widow afterward became the wife of a Mr. West, and unto them was born a son, with whom she is now living. For her third husband she married a Mr. Knight, who died some years ago. The lady has now reached the advanced age of seventy-one years. Our subject is the eldest of six children, all of whom are now married and reside within the bor- ders of this State. The greater part of his life has been passed in Macoupin County and he was early inured to hard work. As his father died when he was young much of the labor of the household de- volved upon Nathan Smith and he had to assist in providing a maintenance for the family. Thus he was deprived of many advantages which most youths share, but he has become a man of good judgment and by reading anil observation has ac- quired an excellent knowledge of matters of gen- eral interest. He was married in Staunton to Miss Serrelda Walker, who was born and reared on a farm near the city in which their union was cele- brated. She died in their home in Dorchester Township, May 13, 1874, leaving four children, one of whom, Carrie E., has died since the mother passed away. The living are: Charles W., who married Elizabeth Hutchinson and resides on a farm in Dorchester Township; Thomas II., who wedded Mat', ie Jones and is also a farmer of the same township; and James A., who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Dorchester Township and married May Alexander. Mr. Smith has again been married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Cornelius, and the ceremony was per- formed by the Rev. Asa Snell in Staunton. The lady was born in Bond County. 111., February 14, 1843, and is a daughter of L. M. and Matilda 668 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. (Askew) Cornelius, natives of Maryland and Illi- nois respectively. They were married in Jersey County, this State, where Mrs. Cornelius was born, and upon a farm in Bond County began their do- mestic life, removing thence to Dorchester Town- ship, Macoupin County, where they spent, the remainder of their days. Mr. Cornelius died in 1 865 at the age of forty-five years and his wife, who had passed away seven years previous, was thirty - Hve years of age at the time of her death. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born three children: Nathan C, Dollie V. and Cornelius 11. For the past fifteen years Mr. Smith has resided on his present farm, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and to which he has added many improvements. Both he and his wife are held in high esteem throughout the community. Their home is the abode of hospitality and they are pleasant, sociable people who easily win friends and as easil}' retain them. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat and is a member of the National Lodge, No. 4105, F. M. B. A. He has held several of the offices in the gift of the people of the Township, was for fourteen years Commissioner of Highways, is the present Supervisor of Dorchester Township and served as Township Clerk one year. Every trust reposed in him is faithfully discharged and he has proved an efficient officer. JfeN^ D HI LIP FLOOD, a lumber merchant and I dealer in hardware, agricultural implements, etc., is a well-known and respected resident of Girard. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, December 29, 1832. His father, who bore the same name as himself, was also a native of that city. He, in turn, was a son of another Philip Flood, who was born in England, where he was reared, and in his youth learned the trade of a silversmith. He went to Dublin when a young man, followed his trade and spent the remainder of his life there. He married in Ireland a Miss Kate Doyle, who was a native of Donnybrook, that country. Her father, James Doyle, was also born there. He was a contractor and builder and passed his entire life in the place of his birth. The mother of our subject came to America in 1848, and her last years were passed in Cincin- nati. A daughter, Kate, married William Worth - ington, and always lived in Ireland. James was also a life-long resident of his native country, his family still living there. Edward came to this country in 1848, and later settled at St. Louis, where he spent his remaining days. He left a family of turee daughters. George came to Amer- ica in 1855, and landed at Philadelphia. From that time all trace of him is lost. The father of our subject learned the trade of an upholsterer and decorator, which he always followed during his active life, continuing to live in his native city until death. He was in limited circumstances and his son Philip, of whom we write, had to begin to assist in the support of tiie family at the age of twelve years. October 2, 1848, ambitious to better his condition, Philip de- termined to emigrate to America. Accordingly, he set sail from Liverpool in the ship "Sir Charles Lapeer," and after a voyage of thirteen weeks landed at New Orleans. He went directly to Cin- cinnati, and there began an apprenticeship to the firm of Mitchell . Austin Adams was the third child in his father's family and was born March 7. 1826, in Henry G7G PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. County, Ky. He was a child of only three years when he came with his parents to this Stat'', and was educated in the district schools and trained in the practical details of farm life. He remained with his parents until he was about twenty-two years of age, when he took to himself a wife at Anderson's Point in Carlinville Township, Decem- ber 29,1847. The lady who thus became Mrs. Adams was M iss Maria C. Anderson, a sister of the late C. II. C. Anderson whose biography will be found elsewhere in this volume, and a daughter of the late .lames C. and Ann R. (Harris) Anderson. She was born in Christian County, Ky., dune 4, 1821, and died January 6, 1890, in Bird Township. She was the happy mother of seven children. The eldest, a son, died in early infancy. The second is James II; Leonora and Lodusca both died in infancy; Rejena M. is the wife of E. F. Wood- man ; Leonora S. is the wife of W. V. McCann; Austin E. took to wife Miss Eva A. Robinson. The subject of this notice followed the occupa- tions of farming and stock-raising. When he was first married iie rented land for one year in Carlin- ville and after that purchased a farm of three hun- dred and twenty acres in Bird Township, where he passed the remainder of his life. He increased his possessions until he was the prosperous owner of about one thousand acres. He erected excellent buildings upon his land and made extensive and permanent improvements. As before stated he gave to his children most of the land which he had ac- cumulated, thus acting the wise part of executing the provisions of his will while alive. In his early days Mr. Adams was of the Whig persuasion politically, but after the organization of the Republican party he espoused its principles and casts his vote for its candidates. For forty years his first wife was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for some forty-five years Mr. Adams was a devoted member of that church and contributed liberally of his means toward the erection, of churches and the support of the Gospel. ( In March 10, 1891, Mr. Adams was married a second time, choosing as his wife Miss Mattie L. Black, the daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Chiles) Black, natives respectively of Kentucky and Illi- nois. The wedded life of our subject and his es timable wife was of brief duration and was termin- ated by the death of Mr. Adams a few months later. 1 1 is loss is sadly fell, by his sorrowing wife, his bereaved children and his many friends. A public-spirited citizen, he richly deserved tht honor and esteem freely granted him by his neigh- bors, and his memory will be held in loving re- membrance for many years yet to come. "We* mourn for him whose life has down Out from its fragile shell of clay Into tin' nighlless perfect day. To reap the fruit that hero was sown." — $m*i- — OHN WESLEY THACKER. We are pleased to present here a brief biographical sketch of one of the well-known ami highly re- j spected agriculturists of Girard Township. whose social standing is such as to give him promi- nence in the community. He was born on his father's home farm in Nil wood Township, this county, July 24, 1854. His father, Zachariah and his mother. Nancy ( Walker) Tliacker. were the par- ents of seven children, and he was the third son. An extended sketch of Zachariah Thacker appears elsewhere in this volume, and we are gratified to to have a double opportunity of calling attention to this interesting family. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the home farm and soon as he was old enough attended school he began going to the district school, while at the same time making himself useful upon the farm. He grew up into a sturdy and healthy far- mer's boy and became of great assistance to his father. He remained with his parents until his marriage which occurred just before he reached his majority. The domestic life of Mr. Thackcr has been a hap- py and prosperous one. He was married March 24, 1875 to Miss Christiana Garst, who has proved indeed a helpmate and a genial companion. To this excellent couple have been born five children, Delia Ann; Cora May ; Vernie Ellen ; Mary John; and Albert Harvey. These are all being trained PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 677 in domestic duties as well as being given a good school education. They are also brought up in the Christian faith, and Mr. and Mrs. Tbacker arc conscientious and devoted members of the Baptist Church. They arc leaders in thought in the farm- ing community, being active members of the Un- ion Grange. The Republican party embodies the political principles with which Mr. Thacker finds himself in harmony and while not in any sense an office seeker he is rejoiced to see the prosperity of his party. i UAM FKLTER, a prominent citizen of Girard, is of German birth, lie was born Ifi in Hesse-Darmstadt. .June 1, 1813, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Schneider) Felter, who were also natives of the same place as their son. There they passed their married life and ended their days in peace at the old homestead. The son secured an opportunity to learn the trade of a nail- maker, and having done so at the age of eighteen years he left the parental roof. This joung man now set sail for America, leav- ing Bremen in May and landing in New York after which he began, ,nd all well-improved, lie erec- ted good frame buildings upon his farm and resided there for seven years. Mr. I'Vltcr decided to sell his farm and go a little farther West, and did so, making his new home for re than two years in Lafayette County, Mo. But after all Illinois was more homelike to him and he disposed of this property and relumed to Virden and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres. After residing then- sumo years, he rented out this farm and went to live on a new property which he purchased in Girard Township. He re- sided on this tract of one hundred and twenty- seven acres until 1886, and then purchased property where he now resides. He still owns the two farms above spoken of and another tract of eighty acres in North Otter Township. The marriage of Mr. Felter in 1844 united him with Cornelia McDaniel, whose father, John McDaniel, was one of the pioneers of Morgan County. He made his home there when Jackson- ville was but a hamlet. His daughter was born upon this pioneer farm in 1820, and was veryyoun" when her parents died. She was kindly cared for and was taken into the household of Alexander Bell. Seven children have been given to this worthy a voyage of sixty-four days. He went at once to coup'e, all of whom have been spared to the pres- ent time and each one has established a home and a household. They arc named, Sarah. George, Hannah, Ellen, Albert, John and David. All who know Mr. Felter unite in saying that he brought with him from the old country those sterling qual- ities which make the best class of German citizens, and his industry, frugality and steadfastness, have combined to give to him a degree of prosperity which he could never have known across the seas. Mercer, Ohio, where his brother William lived. He landed in the new home with only fifty cents in his pocket. His first work was on the National road and after thirteen days' labor there he took the ax in hand and began clearing land for his brother. He spent a few months in Mercer, and then went to St. Louis County, Mo., and engaged in farming. He resided for a time in Adams County, and then came to Macoupin County and rented land for a lime. At the time when our subject first came to this county, there was not a house standing where now the prosperous villages of Girard and Virden are located and most ol tin: land was in possession of the Government. Deer and wolves abounded, and all was like a wilderness. He took up one bundled and twenty acres of land and after a few years had it in a fine state of cultivation. Later he bought Other land until he had twice the amount with ~=I= \ AVID II. JOHNSTON is proprietor of one J) of the largest and oldest established busi- ness houses of Bunker Hill. At the age of fifteen he entered the store as a clerk, continuing to serve in that capacity for some time and dining that interval by industry and economy 678 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. acquired sufficient capital to establish himself in business. In consequence the firm of Davis, John- ston ife Co. was organized and became owner of the store wherein our subject had received his business training. After that several changes occurred in the firm. On the death of Mr. Davis, Edward liar- ton became a partner of Mr. Johnston, and their connection continued tor seven years or until the death of the former in September, 1N83, when David II. admitted diaries J. Johnston as a part- ner under the style of Johnston Bros. They did business together for a few years, and then the con- nection was discontinued, since which time David II. lias been alone in business. The establishment of which he is now proprietor, is one of the finest and largest in Bunker Hill. It is located on Wash- ington Street, and his slock of goods, comprising dry goods, clothing, carpets, boots and shoes, occu- pies rooms covering two thousand feet on the ground floor and two thousand square feet in the second story. Hardly an enterprise of any import- ance has been established in Bunker Hill that Mr. Johnston is not numbered among the prime leaders in the movement or among the stockholders. Of Scotch birth, Mr. Johnston possesses many of the best characteristics of that race. He was born on the 5th of Apiil, 1846, in Ayershire, Scot- land, and is a sou of Robert and Jane (Hamilton) Johnston, both of whom were also natives of the Lowlands, born in Ayershire. After the birth of three children, they came to America. Bidding good by to their old home they sailed from Glas- gow in 1854, landing at New Orleans, and made their way up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, whence they came to Macoupin County. 111. Rob- ert Johnson lived near Bunker Hill, where he re- sided until his death, which occurred in 1870. lie reached the allotted age of three score years. He was a prominent man in the township and county, and in his death the community lost one of its best citizens. His wife long survived him, passing away in 1889, at the ripe old age of seventy years. Our subject was a lad of only six summers, when upon the broad Atlantic he sailed for America. His educational advantages were such as the com- mon schools afforded, and as before stated, he en- tered upon his business career at the age of fifteen as a merchant's e'erk. Mr. Johnston was married in Bunker Hill to Miss Julia Hopper, one of Illi- nois' daughters. Her father is the Rev. J. V. Hop- per, a retired minister of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Johnston is an intelligent and cultured lady, who occupies a prominent position in the social circles of Bunker Hill. Her marriage has been blessed with three children: Arthur and Frank, the eldest and youngest are living, while Laura, the second child, died in infancy. Mr. Johnston holds mem- bership with Bunker Hill Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M. At the ballot box he supports the Repub- lican party. One of the progressive and puhlic- spirited citizens of the community he identifies himself with all that pertains to the upbuilding of the county's interests and welfare, and gives liber- ally to all worthy enterprises and charities. Such a man is worthy of the esteem and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, and the people have learned to trust him whom they so highly re- gard. ^ -J- ^=^EORGE BAKER, a retired blacksmith of l( . Brighton Township, tbe same now owned by our subject. There John Kelsey resided with ti is children until his death, which occurred in November, 1874, at the age of eighty-one years. He possessed a good constitution, was a man of great vitality and was hardly sick a day in his life. He became a successful farmer of this county and died quite well off. He was a member of the Church of England as was also his wife who had died a number of years previous. Robert Kelsey. father of our subject, was born in Yorkshire, March is, 1818, and was about four- teen years of age when his parents crossed the broad ocean. He attained his majority aboul the time the family came to Macoupin County, and not long afterward lie returned to his native land for "the girl he left behind him". In Yorkshire, he married Miss Henrietta Jennings, who was born in 1817, and is a daughter of William and F.liza- beth (Quarton) Jennings, both of whom were natives of that county where they were married. The father was a farmer by occupation and follow- ed that business during the greater part of his life. His death occurred at the advanced age of ninety years and his wife had long since passed middle life when she was called home. They lived the lives of Christian people after the faith of the Epis- copal Church. They had quite a large family, of whom one daughter is yet living in England. A brother of Mrs. Kelsey, Join;, came to the United Mutes, made a trip across the plains to California. and afterward returned to Macoupin County, 111., where he died about eight years ago. The bridal tour of Mr. and Mis. Kelsey consist- ed of a trip to America ami they began their domestic life upon the homestead farm in Brighton Township. He was an industrious and enterprising man and by good management, supplemented by business ability, he secured a line property. Fair- ness and honesty characterized his entire life and he won many friends who held him in high esteem for his sterling worth. He held to no creed but was charitable and benevolent and believed in doing right for its sake. In politics, he was a Democrat. His death occurred August 31, 1884. Mis. Kelsey still survives her husband and is wonderfully well preserved for one of her age, be- ing now in her seventy-fifth year. Into them have been born seven children, all of whom are yet living with the exception of Amanda, who died at the age of twenty-eight ; Rhoda is the wife of John Carter, a farmer of Chesterfield Township; Emma is at home with her mother; Henrietta is the wife of John Cooper, a resident farmer of Madison County ; James J. is tile next younger; May is the wife of George A. Keas, general merchant and Postmaster of Brighton; and Laura is the wife of William Talley, a resident farmer of Shipman Township. James J. Kelsey, whose name heads this sketch, is numbered among the thrifty and enterprising farmers of the community. He has spent his entire life upon the farm which he now owns and oper- ates. His boyhood days were passed in assisting his father and in attending the public schools where his education was acquired. Since he has arrived at man's estate he has engaged in general fanning, raising those cereals which are adapted to this climate and has also engaged to a considerable extent in stock-raising, making a specialty of the breeding of Cottswold sheep and fine draft and road horses. His land, comprising three hundred acres is divided into two good farms which are well supplied with all necessary buildings. The old home is one of the substantial residences of the township and every thing about the place presents a neat appearance, indicative of the thrift and in- dustry of the owner. Mr. Kelsey is a prominent Democrat, has served as Highway Commissioner and manifests a commendable interest in every thing pertaining to the welfare of the county. HARLKS s. PATCHEN. One of the highly respected men in Macoupin County is Charles S. Patchen. His father, the late Daniel T. Patchen, emigrated from Ohio, where he had resided some ten or twelve years, ami in the fall of 1849 settled in Macoupin County, Carlin 632 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ville Township. He was a farmer, but not allow- ing the cares of the farm to wholly occupy his mind, took an active part in fill local affairs of im- portance and was surrounded by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who bore him that re- spect and esteem which his talents commanded. His wife was Miss Sarah Stodard, who was born in Connecticut. Her marriage with Daniel T. Patchen took place in Geauga County, Ohio, the birthplace of our subject. Both Mr. and Mrs. Patchen were consistent members of the Presby- terian Church, Mr. Patchen having held the offices of Deacon and Elder, the latter of which he re- signed upon the occasion of his removal to Oregon in the autumn of 1877. This step was deemed necessary for the benefit of his failing health, but on June 19, 1888, death relieved him of his suffer- ings. His widow survives him. Their children, of whom there were six, were Mary 8., the wife of Prof. Edward Snyder, or the State University; Louisa, now Mrs. William Sporn ; Charles S., who came with his parents to Macoupin County when but six years of age; Robert, a resident of Wash- ington; Willis, a clergyman in South Dakota; and Harriet, the wife of Charles Campbell. To these children was given such education as is to be ob- tained in our common schools. The subject of this sketch also had the advantage of a course of in- struction at Blackburn University in Carlinville. At the age of nineteen years, which time was passed in his father's home, he broke the monotony of farm life and enlisted August '.I, 1802, in Com- pany A, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois Infantry and served three years, taking part in en- gagements at Parker's Cross Roads, Nashville, Tenn.. Et. l'.lakeley, Ala., besides many battles of minor importance. While on the march from Montgomery to Mobile he was prostrated for sev- eral days by sunstroke and was thus disabled for a time. When the war ended he returned to his home and took up the thread of his studies, pursu- ing them diligently for several months and then accepted a position as clerk in a dry -goods s*„ore in Carlinville, where he was a valued employe for about four years. This period of activity passed in the trade aided largely in fitting him for mercantile pursuits and he formed a partnership with William Schutze and James Clarke, the style of the firm be- ing Schutze, Palchen s£ resides within the corporation limits of Staunton, where he owns a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres. In presenting his portrait and biographical sketch to the readers of the Record, we perpetuate the features and record the life of one of the earliest settlers of the county, his residence here covering a period of almost sixty years. Since his arrival, in 1832, he lias never left tiie county for any length of time, but has continually witnessed its growth anil has borne no inconsiderable part in its up- building. Of his pioneer experiences, however, we will speak more hereafter. Mr. Sawyer was born in Carroll County, near Columbus, N. O, December 21, 1821, and is de- scended from good Revolutionary stock. His grand- father, Joah Sawyer, spent his entire life in North Carolina, and served throughout the Revolutionary War, entering the Colonial Army when less than fifteen years of age. lie was of Irish descent and was a stout, rugged man, well fitted for the life which lie followed. He married a Miss Allcock, who was also a native of North Carolina, and they resided in that State until their death. They were members of the Primitive Baptist Church and in politics Mr. Sawyer was a Democrat. The father of our subject. Valentine Sawyer, was a native of Plymouth, N. O. and in the usual man- ner of farmer lads was reared to manhood, but when he was grown up he shipped before the mast and was engaged in the coasting service for some years. Later he returned to his native town and married Miss Polly Spence. Seven children were born unto them, one of whom died in North Car- olina. Their long journey to Illinois was made with a single horse and wagon and at night the}' would camp out along the road. At Louisville they crossed the Ohio River and at Danville forded the Wabash River. Three months had elapsed before the}- arrived in Macoupin County. III. They made a location in the southern part of the county at what is now West Prairie, and found themselves in a sparsely settled country where, however, game was abundant and wild animals were frequently seen. Mr. Sawyer made a home on what is known as Williams Creek, which skirled the prairie, and there underwent the usual hardships and trials of the pioneer settler who locates on a western fron- tier. The nearest mill and market was at Alton, money was scarce and for a time it was a struggle to provide for the wants of the family. But pros- perity at length blessed their efforts and they be- came possessed of a comfortable property. The mother died about 1854, after which Valentine Sawyer, with his two eldest sons, went to Texas, making a settlement in Bell County, where he died at an advanced age. He and hie wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he always voted the Democratic ticket. Our subject was the third in order of birth of their family of ten children, of whom seven, four sons and three daughters, are 686 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. yet living. Of these all are married and have families, and three are living in Illinois. Selick Sawyer has lived in this county since be was a lad of eleven summers. At an early age he began work upon the farm, assisting in the labori- ous task of clearing, developing and improving the wild prairie. His father entered land and after he had attained to mature years he entered land for himself, claiming a tract in Staunton Town- ship, which, after he had improved it, he sold and invested the proceeds in the farm which has now been his home since 1858. A part of this lies within the corporation limits of Staunton and it is a valuable piece of property, comprising two hundred and forty acres, the greater portion of which is under cultivation. It is underlaid with rich coal beds, a part of which have been worked and have brought to light a vein six and a. half feet lb iek. Mr. Sawyer was married in Staunton, August 26, 1847, the lady of his choice being Miss Nancy Bruce, who was born in the Emerald Isle in 1828. Her parents, Samuel and Matilda (Patterson) Bruce, were also natives of Ireland, and alter the birth of five children they emigrated with their family to America in 1835, landing in Philadel- phia after a six weeks voyage. They then came to Illinois and located near Staunton, where they resided until their death. They were widely and favorably known among the pioneers here and had all their lives been members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Sawyer, a brother and two sisters of the family are yet living. Ten children have been born unto our subject and his wife, but one died in infancy, and Thomas died, leaving a widow and one child. William J., who wedded Eliza Cloud, is a farmer of Olive Township, Madison County; Samuel B. aids in the operation of the old homestead; Joseph, who is engaged in the liv- ery business in Staunton, mairied Rose Wilder; George is now at home; Jennie S. is the wife of George Maze, of Staunton; Anna is the wife of William Menke, of Staunton; and Valentine also assists his father in farming the old homestead. Mr. Sawyer and his sons are Democrats in polit- cal sentiment and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Few have a more extended acquaintance in the county than this worthy couple and none are held in higher esteem. They have lived quiet and unassuming, yet busy and useful lives, and have won for themselves a place among the best people of the county. '^^^^^<^^ ,/fNft AMUEL S. GARST. Of German origin, >!^? Liu- family of our subject settled in an ^l/jj) early day in the Southern States and the gentleman himself was born in Washington County, E. Tenn., October 15, 1839. He now resides on section 9, Nilwood Township. His father, Jacob Garat, was born in Roanoke County, Va, His mother was Catherine (Wrightsman) Garat and was also born in Virginia, where they met and married and from there emigrated to Ten- nessee where the mother died in Washington County. The father removed to Macoupin County in the fall of 1868 and settled in Nilwood Town- ship where he lived until about 1866 when he went to Montgomery County, to live with a daughter, Mrs. Mary Brown. One son was the fruit of the marriage of Jacob and Catherine Garst That son is the subject of this sketch. The original of this sketch arrived at manhood while in Washington County, Tenn., and when about twenty years of age he came to Greene County. 111., and in the fall of 1859 and the fol- lowing spring he came to Girard, and soon after engaged himself in tanning in Nilwood Township. Agriculture has been his chief business in life. Since his removal from Tennessee he has spent the major portion of his time in Nilwood with the ex- ception of about four years when he was in the army. When the first call for volunteers was made Mr. Garst enlisted in the fall of 1861, in the Sec- ond Regiment of Illinois Light Artillery of Com- pany G. He served during the war until it closed and his memory is stored with incidents that are striking and interesting as historical events. Mr. Garst took part in many of the engagements that had the most important effect. He was pres- i ent at the battle of Marion City, Tenn., also Jack- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 687 son, Term., Oxford, Miss., at the siege of Vicksburg, Tupelo, Miss., anil Nashville, Tenn. Ik was, how- ever, sent out with a foraging expedition at Cold- water Miss., where he was taken prisoner and was held for eight months. During this period he was confined in the rebel prison atSelma, Ala., Cahauba, Ala., Macon. Ga., and at Andersonville. Only the last of these places is known to the general public in all the terror which it presented to the prisoner who was confined within its awful inclo- sure. Only a veteran of the war who has under- gone a similar experience of confinement can appreciate the situation of onewb.0 has thus suffered. The other prisons of minor note were bad enough, but Andersonville seemed to have among its guards men who were natural instruments of torture. While en route from Macon to Andersonville. Mr. Garst effected his escape, hut he was recaptured in about one month by the efforts of the bloodhounds which were put upon his track. To the imagina- tion the haying demons of the chase would seem hast intelligent and progressive educators. In 1884 he abandoned his profession to engage in business with B. F. Clark, with whom he is still in partnership. They have a commodious and handsomely arranged store, carry an extensive line of drugs, groceries, etc., and by conducting their trade systematically and honora- bly they have secured a large patronage not only in this city but in the country tributary to it The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary Josephine Long was celebrated December 27, 1883, and has been hallowed to them by the birth of one child. Harry L. Mrs. Deck is a native of Mercer County. Ky., and a daughter of Joseph and Mary J. Long. Mr. Deck's life career has been directed by energy, perseverance and good business habits, combined with honorable and conscientious deal- ings, that have raised him to a high position in financial circles, and have made him an invaluable civic official in the various responsible offices that have been trusted to his care by his fellow-citizens, who place a high estimate upon his character and public services. He was elected Clerk of the city, in 1889 was elected Mayor and served two years. He is a Director of the Girard Loan and Building Association, and gives hearty encouragement to all enterprises that will in any way contribute to the material advancement of the city, while at the same time he is influential in promoting its higher welfare socially, morally, and religiously. In his politics he is a Democrat. His religious sentiments find expression in the faith of the Christian Church, and his estimable wife is a member of the Baptist Church. PRANK W. BURTON, State's Attorney for Macoupin County, with his office and resi- dence at Carlinville. has attained distinc- tion at the bar by the exercise of marked legal talent and an ambitious, progressive spirit, that has made him one of the leaders of his profession in this section of the Commonwealth of Illinois, though he is still a young man. Mr. Burton is also- widely known as a breeder of thoroughbred horses, who has done much to raise the standard of the horses bred in this region, and has one of the finest studs of blooded animals to be found in this or adjoining counties. Our subject is a native born citizen of this county, October 8, 1857, the date of his birth at. Bunker Hill. His father, Henry W. Burton, was born at Pomfret, Windham County, Conn., August 14, 1819, a son of Olney Burton, who was a native of Cranston, R. I. The latter was a son of Rufus Burton, who is supposed to have been a native of that little New England State, where he engaged at his occupation as a farmer until his removal in 1800 to Pomfret, Conn. He bought a tract of land in that town, carried on fanning and con- tinued a resident of that place until his death. 690 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. The grand father of our subject grew to manhood in his native State, and was there married. He went to Pomfret in 1800 and he and his father oc- pied the same farm. He always devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, and passed his last years on the old homestead in Pomfret. The maiden name of his wife, grandmother of our subject, was Abigail Burlingame. She was born at Cranston, R. I., and died on the old farm at Pomfret, Conn. She was the mother of these eight children — Rufus, Hannah, Sewell I)., Lewis, Olney, James. Charles and Henry \Y. Henry W. Burton passed his early life in his na- tive county, and re eived his education in the local district schools. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the trade of a carpenter, and from that time cared for himself with characteristic self-reliance and independence of character. lie was a resident of Pomfret until the spring of 1 Ml 1, when he came to Illinois, shrewdly foreseeing that his chances for securing a competence were better in this compar- atively newly settled country where energetic, en- terprising, industrious men were wanted to help in its upbuilding. He came by the most expeditious route at that lime, which was by steamer to New- York City, by rail from that city to Philadelphia, from there to Pittsburg by canal and railway, thence on a steamer down the Ohio and up the Mississippi Rivers to Alton, this State, where he joined his brother James, and in his company came to Macoupin County to cast in his lot with the pioneers of this region. The brothers had but one horse between them and the}' took turns in riding him until they had arrived at their journey's end. They located at Woodburn and the father of our subject worked at his trade as a carpenter and at millwrighting there for some years. When the great excitement of the discovery of gold in California set the world agog, Mr. Burton joined the great march across the continent in search of the precious metal, starting in April, 184'J, with four others, and making the journey with ox-teams over the plains and mountains to the Pacific Coast, arriving at Bear River the 12th of following September. For one month the little party was engaged in mining at that point, and then, after laying in supplies at Sacramento, they they went to Mud Spring, near Placerville, where they prospected and dug for gold until spring. The party then broke up but the father of our subject and one of his companions continued mining there until November, 1850, when they returned to their old home in Illinois by the way of the Isth- mus. Mr. Burton soon entered the mercantile busi ness at Woodburn in partnership with ar_other man. Four years later he sold out his interest in that es- tablishment, and went into the same busiuess at Bunker Hill, which he conducted until 1858. In 1860 he turned his attention to shipping grain, hay, etc., and was thus engaged until 1868. In that year he was elected Circuit Clerk and removed to ( larlin- ville to assume the duties of his office, which he held until 1876, serving two full terms. After that he was appointed Deputy County Clerk, and acted in that capacity two terms. Mr. Burton was married in 1844 to Miss Corne- lia R. Rider, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Justus Rider. She died in 1872, leaving two chil- dren, our subject and Henrietta W., who is the wife of Robert 15. Shirley. Mr. Burton's second marriage was with Miss Sue Engliss, a native of Macoupin County and a daughter of Hiram Eng- liss. One chikl has been born of this second union. Frank W. Burton, the subject of this biographi- cal review, was in his twelfth year when his parents came to Carlinville to reside. His early education was gained in the public schools of Bunker Hill. He subsequently entered Blackburn University am! was graduated from that institution of learning in the Class of '76. His taste led him to adopt the legal profession and in January, 1877, he began his preparation for it in the office of Hon. C. A. Wal- ker, with whom he read law, gaining a thorough knowledge of its fundamental principles, and in the spring of 1879 he was admitted to the bar. In the following June he opened an office at Ca.linville and has been in successful practice here since that time. He was early called to important legal posi- tions, for which he has shown himself amply fitted. In 1881 he was elected City Attorney at Carlin- ville. and served acceptably in that position one year. In 1**4 he was elected States Attorney for this county, was re elected in 1888, and is still an incumbent of that office, his constituents being PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 691 satisfied lhat a lawyer of his calibre, legal attain- ments, resolute ami decided character is the right man for so responsible n place. Politically, he is identified with the Democrats. Notwithstanding the numerous cares of an ex- tensive law practice and the demands made upon him by his official duties Mr. Burton, who is a true lover of fine horses, finds time to superintend his establishment for raising trotters, and he has a stud containing some of the finest strains in the land, of which he may well be proud. He is the fortunate owner of "Truce," 7,859, who was hied by 11. I'. Pepper. of l'Yankfort.Ky., sired by "Onward," 2:25£, son of '-George Wilkes." "Racket." by "Egbert," is a beautiful mare, dam being by "Abdallah 15." and second dam, "Woodbine." ''Riot," by "Ken- tucky Wilkes," 2:21J-, son of "George Wilkes," dan;. "Racket," is another valuable mare owned by our subject. Roth "Riot' and "Racket" are bred to "Electoi," 2:21£, son of "Elect'oneer." Mr. Burton also possesses "Ditto." by "Durango," (record 2:23f), dam, "Lena Rivers," (record 2:33), said to be by "Blue Bull." Mr. Burton has several other valuable marcs by imported "Specula. tor," from -Gold Dusl"dams. "Niblo," 10,01 4, sired by "Walsingham," 2,166, son of "George Wilkes," dam. "Miss Fanny." dam of "Fugleman," 2:28f, by -'Hamlet, " 1G0, sou of "Volunteer." Mr. Burton was married in November, 1880, to Miss Anna Robertson, a native of Carlinville. and a daughter of Dr. William A. and Nancy Robert- son, of whom a biography appears elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Burton have a charming home, wherein their many friends are sure to meet with a bospita- table welcome from the gracious hostess and genial host. Three children complete their household — Cornelia R., Robert and Nanette. & ARRY II. GROVE, a prominent and high- ly respected resident of Bird Township, has his pleasant home on section 36. His fath- er, Jesse U. Grove, and his mother. Susan Nuss, were both bom in Montgomery County, Pa., and came from there to Macoupin County early in the '(ids and made their home in Carlinville. They have been residents of the county since that time. They had seven children, five sons and two daugh- ters. Their names are: Benjamin P., Samuel A., Emma C. Jesse I., Henry II., Albert, and Mary. Jesse has married Miss Ella Rusher; Emma, died when a little one of four years; Benjamin F. is en- gaged ill farming in Bird Township and Samuel A. is a resiFKRT SCHMIDT, who is engaged in \ / general farming and stock-raising on sec- V V lion 22, Gillespie Township, is one of the thrift} German farmers of the county. He was horn in Friesland, in the province of Hanover, on the 10th of March, 1834, and is one of a large fam- ily of children. The parents spent their entire lives in Hanover, Where the father died at the age of fifty years, the mother's death occurring at the age of forty years. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. In the usual manner of fanner lads, the subject" of this sketch spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and his education was acquired in the pub- lic schools. When he had attained to years of ma- turity he was united in marriage with Tretke Milf. who was born on the 10th of April, 1838. Her parents, natives of Hanover, came to America in early life, and spent their last days in Macoupin County, dying when well advanced in years. They too were members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt hegan their domestic life in the Fatherland, and after the birth of their eldest child, a daughter, they sailed for America, taking passage on a steamer, which left the port of Bremen April 7, 1851. At length they safely arrived in Xew York, and from there came at once to Illinois, set- tling in Macoupin County, where they worked in the famdies of rich farmers until they had acquired enough to purchase a small tract of land. Little by little they added to their savings until they had 1HWARY (it iHE PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 695 enough to buy a few acres in Gillespie Township. Together they worked on, ami as the result of their industry, enterprise and perseverance, acquired a comfortable property. Mr. Schmidt, now owns two hundred acres of valuable land, which is di- vided into rich and fertile fields. The farm is well supplied with necessary buildings, including a good residence and barns and is well stocked. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have been born eleven children, of whom two are now deceased — Meta and Milf. Those who still survive are: Weptka, wife of Frank Weyen, a resident farmer of Gillespie Township; John, who wedded Fretka Weyen and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in the same township; Anna, wife of John Sattagass, a resident farmer of Honey Point Township; Ettie, wife of John Schmidt, who is living on a farm in Gillespie Township; Ella, wife of Tace Weyen, and agriculturist of Cahokia Township; Charles, Milf, Merta and Jessie, all at home. The mother of this family was called to her final rest on the 25th of October, 1885, and her death was mourned by main friends. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was held in high regard by all who know her. Mr.- Schmidt is also of the same re- ligious faith, and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party, with which his sons also affiliate. He may truly be called a self- made man. for his fortune was carved out by him- self, and his success is the result of his own efforts. SjOHN BRUBAKER. No class of people has been more helpful in bringing about the high ^ I standing that this county enjoys than the '((gj/ men who have developed its rich agricultu- ral resources, and among these is the subject of this sketch, who has a finely improved farm on section 20, Girard Township. Mr. Br u baker was born in Roanoke County, Ya., September 4, 1832. and is the eighth child and second son of Joel and Elizabeth (Fisher) Brubaker. For parental history see sketch of Moses Brubaker. Mr. Brubaker was reared in his native count}-, and resided there until 1859, when, with his wife and three children, he went to Clarke County, Ohio. He located ten miles from the city of Springfield, near the village of Northampton, where he and his brother Noah bought a quarter section of laud in company. There was a good brick bous i the place, also a log stable, and one hun- dred and twenty acres cleared. They farmed to- gether until i 864, when our subject sold his inter- est in the farm in order to try agricultural pursuits on the rich soil in this count}-. After coming here he rented a farm in Girard Township one season, and during that time he bought the farm that he no« occupies. He has erected a neat and substantial set of frame buildings, and otherwise improved his homestead so that it is a valuable piece of prop- erty, and gives evidence of his skill and practicality as a farmer. March 1), 1854. Mr. Brubaker and Miss Mary Xeff were wedded. Mrs. Brubaker was born in Franklin County, Ya., November 20,1833. Her father, Isaac Neff, was a native of the same county, and it is thought that his father, who bore the same najne a& himself, was also a Virginian by birth. 'f]^Y 'faljier of the latter, Jacob Nafe (the fiim'rry na^^gpqwapally spelled that way). was a native of Germany. When he was young his father started with him and two other sons, named Henry and Bastian, for America. The father died on the voyage, and the three sons were bound out on their arrival in this country to pay their passage. Later one of them settled in Virginia, one in Mai} land anil one in Ohio. Jacob Nafe married Katie Flory, and resided in Franklin County, Ya., whither he removed from Maryland. The maiden name of the great-grandmother of Mrs. Brubaker was Spangler. Mrs. Brubaker's grandfather was a farmer, and spent his last years in Franklin Count}-, Va. His homestead was located a half mile from Teelsville, on the stage road from Salem to Rocky Mount, and there for some years he kept a public house. The maiden name of his wife was Barbara Myers. Both were members of the German Bap- tist Brethren Church. Mrs. Brubaker's father was reared to agricultu- ral pursuits, and followed farming in Virginia un- til 1868, when he came to Illinois, and now resides at Auburn. Sangamon County, in his eighty second 696 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. year. The maiden name of Mrs. Brubaker's mother was Elizabeth Peters. She was born in Franklin County. Va., and died in her native State in Lg38. Our subject and his good wife are consist- ent and conscientious Christians, as is shown by their conduct in everyday affairs of life, and in tliem the German Baptist Brethren Church 1ms two of its best members. There have been born to them a large family of children, whose names are as follows: Riley F., Caleb C, Josiau D., Lizzie M., Kate B., Barbara, who died in infancy; Isaac Neff, Nicholas J., Martha R., diaries II. and Al- pheus O. Kate married Frank Snell and Martha is the wife of Isaac Harshbarger. The children are all active members of the same church to which their parents belong. OHN P. MATTHEWS. M. D., President of I the Illinois Slate .Medical Society, is one of those progressive, wide-awake men who at- 1 tain to a high standing in professional circles and are looked up to as models of intelligence and manly character. He has a line education and his professional studies included hospital practice so that when he was ready to open an office he had a sound foundation upon which to build his hopes of future success. Not content with this, he has con- tinued his habits of study and thought in and with professional societies and in his own private de- partment. In the diagnosis of diseases he is careful and accurate, while in his treatment he shows a knowledge of the nature of drugs and their effect upon the human system that has given him the gratitude and high regard of many to wdiom he has brought returning health or whose friends he has relieved. Dr. Matthews is an Englishman, having been born at Court Farm, Hampton Bishop, Herfordshire. His father, John Matthews, was a native of the same shire and was reared to agricultural pursuits. Early in the spring of 1844 that gentleman, with his wife and six children, set sail from Liverpool on the "Ashburton", and landed at New York thirty-nine days later. He located in that part of Lawrence County now included in Mercer County, Fa., and bought a farm near Sharon, on which he followed his vocation the rest of his life. He died after iie had lived in America a score of years. His wife, formerly Caroline Myra Cooper, was also a native of Herfordshire. She preceded him to the silent land about a twelve-month, breathing her last in 1863. They reared eight children named respect- ively: .lane, William S.. John P., Henry, Arthur, Frederick L., Myra A. and Elizabeth II. The subject of this life history attended the British and Foreign School at Ross. Herfordshire, in his boyhood, and after the removal to Pennsyl- vania he spent some time in the public schools. He then went to Sharon Academy ami later entered the mathematical department of Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg. He still further advanced his education by an attendance of two years in Alle- gheny College in Meadville. In 1857 he came to this state and for three years was engaged in teach- ing, the time being divided between Kane, Greene County, and Greenville Academy. During the last year and a half he devoted all his leisure time to reading medicine with Dr. Peter Fenity, and when he resigned his position in the academy he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and took a course of lectures in the Keokuk Medical College. Dr. Matthews then began practicing in Scotlville, this county, and devoted himself zealously to his work until 1862. He then entered the United States service as Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois Infantry, but after he had been with the regiment a year was obliged to resign on account of ill health. He next opened an office in Carlinville and practiced here until 1865. when he went to New York in order to secure ti.e advantages of hospital work. He was zealous and observing and walked the hospital to good advantage, and before the year had expired was graduated from the Long Island College Hospital. He returned and resumed his work in Carlinville and has since been actively engaged here. In 1865 Dr. Matthews was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth A. Palmer, daughter of Gen. .John M. and Melinda A. Palmer. She is a lady of rare intelligence and culture, a graduate of the classical course at Alinira College and commands the respect POR TRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 01)7 of her associates. She was born in Carlinville and the highest interests of her life have centered here. Dr. and Mis. Matthews have three living children: John Palmer, A. M.; Lucy Myra, and Frederick \\ ehster. The first named was graduated from Blackburn University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the Class of '87, and in 1890 had the degree of Master of Arts conferred upon him. He is now a student in the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago and will grad- uate in the Class of '1)1. The daughter is now a student at Blackburn University and the younger son is in the public school. Dr. Matthews is a member of the International Medical Congress and attended the session at Wash- ington in 1887, and that at Berlin, Germany, in 1890. He belongs to the British Medical Associa- tion, American Medical Association, Medical Soci- ety of Central Illinois, Society of Macoupin County for Medical Improvement, and Fellow of the Amer- ican Rhinological Society. He is a Mason, belong- ing to Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 76, F. & A. M. §/ iOSEPH DODSON represents the grain trade at Shipman and also deals in Hour and feed. He is a native of Boonville,. Cooper County, Mo., and was born October 17, 1840. His parents, Eli Dodson and Mary M. Williams, were natives of Ohio and Illinois, and were married in this State, but later lived on a farm in Missouri. They removed from Cooper to Cass Count}' and there the father turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. In 1856 they came back to this State, settled at Wood burn, this county, and there Mr. Dodson carried on a general store some fifteen years. During that time he built a (louring mill and operated the same. When lie retired from business he removed to Shipman, where his wife died in 1875. at the age of sixty-six years. He subsequently resided with a son at Medora, and died there in 1876, having passed the seventy-first milestone on life's journey. The parental family included ten sons and daughters, but four crossed the river of death before they had become adults. William died in Chicago in 1871; Emily married James R. Anient and died in Litchfield; Isaac is living at Lebanon, .Mo.; Joseph will be mentioned al greatei length in the accompanying paragraphs; James E. is a resident of Warrensburg; Francis M. lives in Carlinville. During the boyhood of our subject the common schools in Missouri were not conspicuous for an extended course of study, nor were the buildings in which they were held attractive or even com- fortable. The sessions were chiefly during I lie winter. The school houses were built of logs and the opening left by removing one answered for a window. The benches were of slabs without any support for the backs of the pupils, but the brain was expected to work just as well as if the body were not tired. Mr. Dodson gained such know- ledge as he could under the circumstances, and being of a practical nature he learned the use of that which he studied. His boyhood was passed on the farm and during his youth he was a clerk in stores. Having come to this State with his parents .Mr. Dodson has been connected with the business interests of Central Illinois since he grew to man- hood. When he became of age he associated with bis brother William in the milling business in Woodburn and Shipman, and the partnership con- tinued until 1877. The next year he established his present business and in the years that have passed he has built up a good trade and prospered in basket and store. He has one of the largest and best residences in the town and is considered one of the men of substance and business honor. December 18, 1867, Mr. Dodson was married to Miss Mary M., daughter of Richard P. ami Catharine (Roberts) Harris. This estimable lady was born in Morgan County in September, 1842. Her happy union has been blest by the birth of six children named respectively Edwin A.. Fanny C, Abigail E., Eva A., Rosa M. and Bertha V. Mrs. Dodson is the eldest child of her parents and her brothers and sisters who grew to maturity are Melinda E.. Emily P.. Sarah J., Maria C, Abigail C. Sophia. Newton I), and Minnie L. Her father was born April 8, 1821, and her mother December 698 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 10 of the same year, and both came with their parents from Tennessee to this State in their child- hood. Their homes were in Morgan County, and their marriage was solemnized at Jacksonville October 5, 1841. Mr. Harris died December 10, 1865. and his widow passed away May '_'•;. 1866. In religion they wen Methodists and in politics Mr. Harris was a Democrat. His occupation was farming. Mr. Dodson is identified with the Masonic order and the Knights of Honor. He was fomerly a Democrat but is now connected with the Prohibi- tion party. For fifteen years lie served as School Director and is now a member of the Town Council. His leligious home is in the Christian Church, in which he has good standing and a reputation that extends bey 1 the borders of that religious body. |_ ENRY IloF.LLMER. In the past twenty years the Prairie State has perhaps under- gone as important changes as have any of the sisterhood of Central States. There were not originally so many difficulties to over- come as in Stales where the COUtOUl' of the land was so rugged. Boulders had not to be broken up nor forests felled before the agriculturist could plow and sow and reap. Farmers here have the advantage, for in the fertile lands the sod has sim- ply to be broken and the plow put in the land to bring forth a rich harvest of cereals that are a for- tune in themselves. The wealth of the State de- pends as much upon its farming element as upon the manufactures for which it is so noted, and the people from every nation have assisted in making this one of the noted agricultural districts of the world. Our subject, who is of German origin, has lent his aid to developing the country, having for the past twenty years devoted his efforts to the im- provement and cultivation of his farm located on section 1, Mt. Olive Township. The tract of land which be has under cultivation is not noticeable for its extent, comprising only eighty acres, but every acre is made to produce as much as nature will allow. He of whom we write came to the county in 1865 and has always lived on the farm where he now resides. He came hither f.om Morgan County where he lived four years after coming to the United Slates. He was born in wdiat is now the Province of Hanover, Germany, June "21, 1838. Ili^ parents were Herman and Catherine (Straven) Hoellmer, who were natives of the same Province in which our subject was born. They lived in their native province until their family of children were all bom. The children were live in number and of these three are yet living. In 1857 the parents and family left Germany and emigrated to the United States, taking a ship at Bremen on a sailer and landing after a voyage of several weeks at New Orleans. They came thence to St. Louis, afterward to Morgan County, and thence to Mt. ( Hive Township, in this county, and have lived here since that time. The mother died in 1870 at the age of sixty-eight years. She left a lasting regret in the hearts of her husband and children, for she was a kind and affectionate wife and mother, un- selfish and unswerving in her sense of duly to her family. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. The father is now ninety years of age, and is the loved charge of our subject, who has taken care of him since reaching twenty one years of age. He isyel active in mind, although feeble in body. All his life has been spent in the hardest work until he grew so old as to lie incapacitated for such heavy labor. He, like bis wife, is a Lutheran, in his church relations. Our subject was eighteen years of age when his parents came to the United States and ever since that time he has devoted himself to making a posi- tion in the world. His marriage took place at Mt. Olive, bis wife's maiden name being Anna Saathoff. She was born in Hanover, Germany. April 12, 1847, and is a daughter of Charles and Wepke (Gilliam) Saathoff, both natives of Hanover. Her father, who was a farm laborer, died in his native kingdom while yet in middle life. His wife and children who survive him came to this country in 1865 and settled in New York, there the mother PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. i;:i:i died two years later at the age of fifty-five years. She and her husband were members of the Lutheran Church. .Mrs. Hoellmer, the wife of our subject, after landing in New York City with her family lived there for seven months, and then came on to Mt. Olive, making that place her home thereafter until her marriage. Our subject and his amiable wife are the parents of ten children, only one of whom, Anna, is de- ceased. She passed to the better land while a mere child, being only four years of age. The living children are Herman II.. Lena. Wiihelmina, Deit- rich C, Meta M., Henry, William, Maria, and Ed- ward II. The eldest son is still at home and is his father's strongest helper on the farm; Lena became the wife of Fred W. Daberkow. a minister in the Lutheran Church at Monroe, Minn. The other children are all still at home and fill the house with their merry jests and gay badinage while they are the help and com f oft of their parents. Both our subject and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church as are also their children. Mr. Hoellmer is in his political preference a Republican. n lit; - UGH MILES ENOS. A prosperous farmer ^ and a public-spirited citizen is to lie found in the gentleman whose name is given at the head of this paragraph. His fine firm is in an excellent state of cultivation and comprises three hundred and sixty-two acres of as good land as is to be seen in Macoupin County. Upon it he carries on general farming and stock raising, and the excellent set of buildings which he has erected on his land, as well as the neat appearance of his well-kept farm, bespeak him as a man of more than ordinary ability and enterprise. The father of our subject. Thomas Enos. was born in the Southern part of Alabama, and the mother, Barbara Jacobs, was a native of South Carolina. Their wedded home was in the moun- tainous regions of Eastern Tennessee, and there Thomas Enos died in July, 1856. His bereaved widow afterward removed to Macoupin County and passed her last days at the home of her son Hugh, where she died January •">. 1888. They had a family of eight children, *i\ sons and two daugh- I ters, of whom our subject was the third in the order of birth. April 9, 1819, was the date upon which our sub- ject was horn in P.lount C< unity. Tenn., and there be spent the early years of his life, up to the age of twenty. When lie became a youcg man he de- cided to remove from the old home, and take his chances with others, in the Slate of Illinois, which had come into existence as a Stale the year before his birth. His first stopping place was at Jersey- ville and near it be found employment upon a farm for sonic three months. Later he came into this county and worked for three years in Bird Town- ship. The young man was now smitten with the gold fever and determined to seek his fortunes in the great West. He went lo California in 18.32 and there engaged in mining and remained there until the spring of 1856. He had now had enough of the Pacific Slope and settled down to the peaceful pursuits of fa, mini; in Bird Township, this county, and has since made it his home. Mr. Enos was married in Bird Township to Miss Mary White, who was born in England, in Lancashire, her par- ents being Thomas and Anna (Abbey) White, who emigrated from England and spent the remainder of their days in Bird Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Enos have been granted seven children to share their parental care and affection. They are namely: John J., Thomas, who married Miss Bessie Waters: Sarah, who is the wife of Lewis Waters; James, Hugh M. Jr.. who married Lora McGinnis; Elvira and Amy. The political views of our subject are in accord with the plat- form of the Republican party and he has ever sus- tained by ii is vote and voice, the organization which placed Abraham Lincoln in the Presidential chair. His earnest interest in educational matters has led bis neighbors to choose him for a number of years as a member of the School Board. Mr. and Mrs. Enos are earnest and conscientious mem- bers of the Shiloh Baptist Church, in which they find a broad field lor Christian labor and where their influence is felt and highly prized. lie is a man of independent thought and in all matters of importance, gives due consideration to every side 700 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of the question before making up his mind. His intelligence and excellent judgment tit him to be a leader, and his experience and standing give him an influence which is exercised by him for the good of the community. €^"^ — * APT. BENJAMIN H. PENN,a well-known resident of section 2d. Shaw's Point Town- ship, is a son of Joseph and Candace (liar- ton) Penn, both natives of North Carolina. In their early married life they made their home in Lebanon. St. Clair County, III., and in 1837 came to Macoupin County and settled in Shaw's Point Township, where Mr. Penn died in 1840. His bereaved widow survived him for seventeen years and at the time of her departure from this life was living in Montgomery County. The subject of this biographical sketch is the youngest in a large family of nine children, and on February 5, 1838, he first saw the light in Shaw's Point Township. Here he received a good education in the district schools and was reared to manhood, learning upon his father's farm the practical arts of agriculture. The greater part of his life has been spent here with the exception of three years which he gave to his country and two and a half years when lie was in Kansas, and a year spent in Madison County. With the excep tion of this, he has been a resident of Macoupin County all his life. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed industriously for many years, and since 1880 he has been engaged exclu- sively in farming. Upon this fine and rich tract of seventy-seven and a half acres he has raised fine crops and good stock. We belief all the words of historians will never more than do justice to the brave boys who so cheerfully and bravely left their homes and went out without training and without military skill to fight the enemies of their country in its time of need. The hero's crown is theirs, and we love to speak of their endurance and courage and of the victories which they achieved. Illinois responded nobly to the repeated calls of the War President whom her sons loved and honored, and to whose help they freely sprang. Benjamin Penn enlisted in one of the first regiments and at the first call of Abraham Lincoln, being one of those who en- listed for three months, believing that this period of warfare would end the rebellion. He became a private in Company K, Seventh Illinois Regiment, joining that body April 22, 1861. After his term of service expired this young man re-enlisted in Company C, Thirty-second Illinois Regiment, as a private, and served in that capacity until February 28, 1863, when he was commissioned Captain of Company B, of the same regiment. His term of service expired in the fall of 1861, and he was mustered out of scvice Sep- tember 15. He took part in the siege of Vicks- burg and in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. Before he was commissioned Captain he served as Wagon-master, first as Regimental, and later as Brigade Wagon-master. When Capt. Penn was mustered out he returned to Shaw's Point Township and engaged at once in farming, but afterward removed to Virden and devoted himself to the business of carpentry until 1872, when he went to Butler Count}-, Kan., where he farmed for two and a half years. He then came back to Carlinville and followed his trade until 1880, when he settled on the farm which is located on section 29, where he has made excellent improvements. It was during the days of the war that Capt. Penn took to himself a wife, being united in marriage April 22, 1803. with Miss Mary E. Prichard, at the residence of the bride's parents, Wilson and Polly (Plain) Prichard. both natives of Virginia and residents of Shaw's Point Town- ship. They had come from the South some years before and the father died in 1862. The mother still survives at an advanced age and is at once the care and comfort of her children. Mr. and Mrs. Prichard had four children, of whom Mrs. Penn was the third, being born June 18, 1840, in Muhlenburg County, Ky. Capt. and Mrs. Penn are the parents of five in- teresting children, namely: Mattie L., Mary C, Josephine E., Florence R. and Ethel G. The sec- ond daughter aied in infancy. Capt. Penn was PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. nn elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1888, and Ims held that office continuously from that date to this. He also occupied the same position while living in Kansas. Both he and his amiable and intelligent wife fire active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has taken a very active part in political affairs and always afliliates with the party which placed Abraham Lincoln in the Presidential chair. 1 1 is war record and experience give him a lively interest in the affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic, and he belongs to Dan Messick Post, No. 339. of Carlin- ville. OHN R. CLEMMONS. The wealthy and progressive farmers of Virden Township have achieved their success by virtue of their own thorough-going industry, effective enterprise and the wealth which lay hidden under the soil of the Prairie State. They cannot be ac- cused, as can many who have gained wealth in the populous cenlers of our country, of having wrung their wealth from the sufferings and efforts of their feiiow-men. They may well take an honor- able pride in their achievements and can with a clear conscience say that they have wronged no man, but have truly helped their neighbors through their own prosperity. Anions such we are pleased to mention the gentleman whose name we have given above. His parents, Peter and Eunice (Richardson) Clem- mons. emigrated from North Carolina to Pike County. 111., in the fall of 1830, and there they spent the remainder of their days. Our subject was the youngest in a goodly family of seven children, and his birth took place in Davidson County. N. C , January 19, 1S22. lie was therefore but eight years old when his father and mother made their new home in the Prairie Stale, and from that time Pike County was his home and there he grew to man- hood. His quiet early life upon the farm was spent much as other farm boys spend their grow- in"; years, and he received as good an education as the district schools of the county afforded. These were not as good then as can be found now, but the added earnestness of those early days, made probably as good scholars as the greater advant- ages of to-day can turn out. This gentleman made his home in Pike County until March, 1865. lie had married in Greene County, this stale. Elizabeth Ann Thomas, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Ann (Isley) Thomas ami the wedding day of the young couple was March 28, 1848 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were of Southern birth and parentage, the former being a native of Pendleton County, S. C, and the latter of Eastern Tennessee. They had come to Illinois in their early days and were married in Madison County, from which they afterward re- moved to Greene County, where they spent the remainder of their days. Mrs. Clemmous was the fifth in order of age in a family of truly patriarchal numbers, there being twelve in her father's family, and her birth took place in Greene County. August 21, 1825. As we have said Mr. Clemmons continued to reside in Pike County after his marriage until March, 1865 when he came to Macoupin County. "and made his home on section 12, Virden Township, which has since been the' family residence. Both he and his wife are large land owners, owning together some live hundred and sixty acres, upon which he has made valuable and substantial improvements, in- cluding a beautiful residence, first-class barns and all outhouses necessary to the successful and sysie. malic carrying on of farm work. Six children have blessed this home, namely: Eunice B., who died in the fourth year of her age; Samuel T.. who was called away when about thir- teen years old ; Lewis 11.. who lived to attain his majority and was then taken away in the bloom of his young manhood ; Jane !•'... who died when seven years old; Laura C, who is the wife of Frank 1'. Babb'lt and John O., who married Miss Mary L. Chedister. In political matters Mr. Clemmons has been active and interested, working strenuous- ly for the success of his party and believing thinly in the doctrines of Democracy. He is not in any sense of the word an office-seeker, but at the earn- est solicitation of his neighbors he has consented to undertake the responsible position of School 702 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Director. He has in this way forwarded greatly the educational interests of the township, as his intelligence and public-spirited enterprise make him peculiarly well fitted to push forward progres- sive movements in this direction. Both he and his lovely and capable wife are earnest and devoted members of the Christian Church, and in this con- nection, as in all the relations of life they are active in forwarding the interests of those about them. Their life in this community has been one which redounds not only to their credit but to the good of their neighbors. '-&*&»»^>£>}%*f-^«<£~*£*e- \ RS. MARTHA A. .JOINER, a resident of Bird Township and a member of a promi- nent family in this section, makes her home on section 5. Her father was Drmv Pul- liam, and her mother bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Cole. They belonged to old Kentucky families and were married in that State and came from there to Morgan County, 111 There they made their home for some time but removed to Macoupin County at quite an early day, and scttli d in South Palmyra Township. Here the good mother was called away from earth, leaving her children and husband to mourn her loss, which was also deeply felt by the community at large. The father died in Waverly, 111. They were the parents of eleven children of whom Martha who became Mrs. Joiner, was one of the younger mem- bers. This daughter was born in Anderson County, Ky., in October, 1816. She came to Macoupin County, 111., with her parents while still a young child. This lady remained at home with her parents until her marriage with Thomas Joiner, which took place June 18, 1848, in South Palmyra Township. The first home of the newly married couple was in the township just named. Here they lived for some time and then removed to Bird Township, and settled on section 5. In tuc fall of 1883 Thomas Joiner was called away from earth, leaving a widow and children to mourn his irreparable loss, in which the community deeply sympathized with them. Three of Mrs. Joiner's six children arrived at years of maturity, namely: Solomon, Mary and George. Mary died when a young lady of sixteen years; Solomon and George are both residents of the township in which their mother makes her home and a biographical sketch of the eldest son will be found elsewhere in this work. Since the death of Mr. Joiner his widow has continued to reside upon the old homestead. This lady is an earnest and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which her departed husband was also an active member. Mrs. Joiner's pure Christian character, excellent judgment and neigh- borly kindness make her beloved by all who know her while her connection with two of the best known families in this section give her a broad field of acquaintance and friendship. y^p%HOMAS PIERSON occupies one of the best //—n improved farms on section 7, Carlinville \U Township. He is another of our British- American citizens who have found in the New • World a better home than they had even in the beautiful island of Great Britain. The father of this gentleman was William Pierson, an English- man. His parents emigrated to America and made their home in Morgan County. Here the mother passed away from earth. The father is now a resi- dent of Missouri. The subject of this sketch was the fifth in a family of six children. He was born in Morgan County, 111.. April .">, 1803. He made his home with his parents until the year 1880, when he came to Macoupin County and worked for others upon their farms until he was married. This event of great importance and interest took place April 2, 1890. at the Home of the bride in Carlinville Town- ship. The lady is Miss Ilattie Morris, a daughter of the late Charles and Maria Morris. Mr. Morris died in Carlinville Township, December 7, 188G, and his widow is still living and makes her home with her children. WHVERSITV r^ i UMO!S DANIEL HUDDLESTON. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 705 Mrs. Hattie Pierson was born in Carlinville Township, May 18, 18G3. After her marriage with Mr. Pierson they made their home oil her father's old homestead. They now own a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which is carried on not only general farming but stock-raising. The farm is in excellent conditio]] and bears every mark of the hand of a thorough-going and intelli- gent farmer. Nothing upon the farm is allowed to run to waste, but every acre counts and every corner is made productive and kept in excellent condition. In politics he is a Republican, but is not aggressive in this line, confining his interest to keeping himself well informed and casting his bal- lot for the principles which he espouses. •J^&S- ANIEL HUDDLESTON. The gentleman whose portrait appears on the opposite page died at his home on section 11, Gil- lespie Township, December 22, 186!). He had settled on his farm here in the spring of 185(j and at that time it was an unbroken prairie, from which he was able by his enterprise and energy to build up a fine farm. He put upon it such improve- ments as redound greatly to his credit and they now stand as a silent memorial to his thrift and in iustry. At the time of his death he owned five hundred and twenty acres, most of which was in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Huddleston came to this county in 1832 and somewhat later made his home in the township of Gillespie, where he remained until death. For a number of years he continued to reside with his parents on section 4, but after his marriage he lo- cated on forty acres which he afterward increased by purchase. This estate formed the homestead which is yet in the family in a divided state. Mr. Huddleston was born in Ohio near Colum- bus, October 25, 181 (Land was the son of Abraham and Mary (Roe) Huddleston. The Huddleston family is of German anrestrj - and the Roe's are of English descent. After marriage this couple began life on a farm near Columbus, Ohio, but later re- moved to Indiana, making their home near New- port in that State. In 1832 they emigrated to Ill- inois coming with an ox-team in a prairie schooner and camping out along the road. I'pon their arrival here in 1832 they secured some Government land on section 4, Gillespie Township, and began their Western life after the primitive style of those times. In the original home of this couple the wife of Abraham Huddleston died in 1852, when past fifty years of age. Her husband married twice after her death, his last wife surviving him, and his own death occurring July 4, 1874, when he was more than eighty-five years of age. The parents of our subject were identified with the old school Baptist Church and Mr. Iluddle- ston's political views were in accordance with the doctrines of the Democratic party. He was well- known throughout not only the township but also the county. Only two of the children of this couple grew to >ears of maturity — our subject and his sis- ter Jane, Mrs. Kinder, who died near Clyde, this county, in 1889, being about seventy-two years old. After Mr. Huddleston became of age he was mar- ried in this county to Miss Rachel Huddleston, who was born in the central part of Indiana on the Blue River, February 21, 1824. She is a daughter of William and Juda Huddleston, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee respectively, who came of similar ancestry with our subject. They were married in Kentucky and began life as farmers and during the ■ War of 1812 William fought during the entire period of conflict. He was under Gen. Jackson at the battle of New Orleans, and proved himself brave and daring. After the birth of some of their children, Will- iam Huddleston and family set out for the North- west, coming through Indiana with teams and wag- ons. While passing through that State in 1824 their daughter Rachel was born and she was but a child when her parents reached Illinois in 1 830, and settled on Government land in Gillespie Township. They built a home on section 3, and there the wife and mother was called from earth in 1832. She was then in the prime of life, a devoted Christian, a kind mother and a woman of more than ordinary character. She was a Methodist in her religious connections. The second marriage of William Huddleston 706 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. united him wilh Miss Rachel Hendershott. They afterward lived in Greene County. III., where lie died in 1844, being then only a little past middle life. He was a man.of true Christian character con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Chureh, and wasa Whig in his political views. His wife survived him and spent her last days in Iowa. She also was connected with the Methodist Church. The wife of our subject was only eight years of age when her mother died and she was reared by her father. Of eight children horn to her parents, three sons and three daughters are still living. She became the mother of thirteen children, nine of of whom are deceased, namely: Henry, Maria C, Susan, Una, Preston and .Mary I., who nil died single; George I). L.; Julia A., who became the wife of Amos Ruckman and. died leaving no off- spring; Samuel J., who married Leonia Robins and left three children. Those who still survive an — John W., who married Sarah Hal pin and lives on the Huddleston homestead; Carrie E.. who is the widow of Adelbert James, and resides with her mother; Emma J., the wife of Daniel Dugei, an engineer residing at Belleville, III . and Florence I)., the wife of Julius Williams, now living on n farm in this township. Mrs. Huddleston and her children attend the Methodist Episcopal Church and are active and earnest in their support of religious work. The family name was formerly spelled Hiiddlestun but was changed during the present generation. „»» H>*o-^^ttJ-o*o« ICHOLAS CHALLACOMBE. The gentle- man who is the original of this sketch is one of the most prominent in the county, not only for his financial slandii g, which in itself would give him precedence, but because of his popularity, reputation for honor and integrity, and his adherence to principles that naturally vote one to be a high-souled gentleman. He is the owner of and resident upon the very fine farm located on section 20, of Chesterfield Township. The ancestors of Mr. Challacombe were of noble origin, and he can refer with pride to the fact that they came over to England wilh William the Con- queror. For several generations before the birth of the subject of this sketch the family held an honorable position among the yeomen of Devon- shire, where both his grandfather and father were born. The home of the Challacombes was located in the Parish of West Down and was known as Buttercomb Hall. There are still many represent- atives of the family in the mother country, some of them being located at Bristol, others are scat- tered through manufacturing and rural districts. Nicholas Challacombe was the pioneer in his fam- ily to start out for himself in the new country. Our subject was the youngest son of a family of eight children, born to his father, John Challa- combe, his mother being Elizabeth (Parminter) Challacombe, also a native of Devonshire. The family emigrated to America in 1833 and settled in Stafford, Genesee County, N. Y. In 1840 they removed from their first location and came to Illi- nois, settling near Carlinville on the farm now owned by cx-Gov. Palmer, where they lived until the death of the parents. The original of this sketch was the youngest son and sixth child in the order of birth of his family. Ilis natal day was June 19, 1824. He made his home with his father until he reached his majority when his father presented him with four hundred acres of land lying in the Macoupin bottom. Of this tract- only eighty acres were under cultivation. It included a mound that, afforded a beautiful and picturesque building site. He early became ac- quainted with a lady whose name was Nancy Glo- rian Carson, and tney were united marriage March 22, 1847, the ceremony being celebrated under the auspices of the Rev. Hugh Bam The lady is a native of Franklin. Tenn., and is of Scotch origin, her father was William H. Carson, a native of Ten- nessee, as was her mother, Mary (Goff) Carson. They were old settlers in Macoupin County, al- though they passed away from this life in Chester- field Township. Immediately after our subject's marriage he set- tled with his young wife on the farm where he now lives, and with her he has since bent his ener- gies to seeing how bright and beautiful they could make the existence which the good Father has PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 707 vouchsafed them. This they have done, not self- ishly, but remembering also in nil the relations of life tbe principle laid down in the Golden Rule. The present residence of our subject was built in 1870, although it was commenced long before that time, in 1860. During ihis time he has made extensive improvements upon the place, besides his house be has erected line barns and outhouses for stock. Mr. and Mrs. Chailacombe are the parents of twelve children, whose names are as follows: Isa- bella A., Mary K., Medora J.. John W., Fannie G., Nicholas 15.. Mabel G. and Wesley. The other children died in infancy. Of those named Isabella A. has become the wife of II. 15. Warner; Mary K. is the wife of A. C. Ilartwell; Medora .1. united herself for better or worse to .1. K. Butler; John W. made mistress of his home Mary Fenton ; Fan- nie G. is the wife of John S. Series; Nicholas B. married Hannah Daniels; Mabel n. is the wife of R. E. Woodmanea. The youngest son, Wesley, is a student at Blackburn University where he prom- ises to distinguish himself. Our subject lias been chiefly occupied with his business of forming, although he operates a saw- mill which is located on his farm. He now owns about seven hundred acres of land although at one time he was proprietor of one thousand acres. The original of this sketch has been honored by his election to several positions of public trust. He has been Supervisor of Chesterfield Township for three terms and Treasurer of the township contin- ually since November, 1861. He assisted in the organization of the Bank of Medora and is its Vice President, also one of the Directors, having held these positions since the bank was organized. Mr. Chailacombe formerly voted with the Re- publican party, but he has shown his progressive tendencies in the right way by voting with the Prohibitionists. Our subject and his wife have been for many years members of the Presbyterian Church in which the former has been an Elder for a long time, supporting the church in its ecclesi- astical meetings for nearly a quarter of a century. The postoflice and station of the town near by were named after our subject. Mr. Chailacombe has enjoyed the distinction and honor of being a delegate of the Alton Presbytery to the General Assembly which was held in Pitts- burg, Pa., in 1S77 or 1878. He is one of the Board of Trustees of Blackburn University of Carlinville, and by his broad and liberal ideas and generous influence has done much to give the advantage to that educational institution. — *-+#=|5*SHr+-i- w'OHN W. DALBY, the respected Supervisor of Barr Township, resides on section 9, where his fine farm of two hundn d and fifty- five acres well attests the thorough hand of a practical farmer. His father was the late Israel Dal by, whose native home was in Frederick County. \'a., as was also that of his wife, Eliza Ogden. The former was born in 1806, and the latter in 1813. They came from Virginia to Greene County, 111., in the spring of 1854. and after resid- ing there one year decided to come to Macoupin County, where many of their old neighbors from the Old Dominion had made their home. They settled on the section line of Barr Township, but their united residence there was to be of short du- ration, as the husband and father passed from earth in October, 1855, when they had hardly become settled in their new home. He left his wife and ten children to pursue alone the struggle of life. The children grew to maturity and bravely helped their mother in her efforts to maintain the home. She has now passed away, her decease occurring March 24, 1890. The children bear the names of William .(..Joseph F.. Caroline, Mary E., George E., John W., Isaac A., Robert 15., Ella and Harrison R. John W. Dalby was the sixth child in his fath- er's large family and was only a little boy at the time of that parent's decease. He was born in Frederick County, Va., October 28,1848, and came with his parents to Illinois, growing to manhood in Barr Township, where be has always been a resident. He has been engaged chiefly in farming, although for seventeen years he pursued teaching in Macou- pin County. Mr. Dalby was first elected Supervisor of Barr Township in the spring of 1875, and has served continuously with the exception of one year, from 708 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. that date to this. During one year he was Chair- man of the Board aud he has filled the office of School Trustee and Township Clerk. He takes an active part in political movements, and is a promi- nent member of the Democratic (tarty. His thor- ough integrity and judgment give to his opinion full weight among his neighbors who regard him with genuine esteem and respect. ,„ ■«-; >~^v— ^, e ,jps» AMUEL HALL. Prominent among the ^^> residents of North Otter Township, we are !tl/_3) pleased to mention the name which appears at the head of this sketch. A view of his charming home is also shown on another page The beautiful farm, handsome residence and delightful surroundings attract the eye of every stranger who visits this section of the county. Those who enter the hospitable door notice within a harmonious home which corresponds well with the beauty of the exterior, and find a mental and social stimulus in the intelligent society of this household. Thomas Hall, father of our subject, was born in North Carolina, May 28, 1792. lie was the son of George Hall, a native of England, who came to this country in the early Colonial days and died in North Carolina. Mary McVcy, the mother of our subject was a native of Tennessee, her natal day being February 23, 1797. She lived in her native home until she was married and later the family removed to Illinois. Her parents, however, had died two years previous to this removal, and she has lost much of the records of their lives. Thomas Hall and Mary McVey were married near Duck River, not far from Nashville, Tenn. After their marriage in 1815 they remained in that vicinity for short time, and then emigrated to the Prairie State, coming here in December, 1817, and settling on what is known as the American Bot- toms, which arc- situated below Alton. They lived there until the fall of 1818, when they came to Greene County, and built a small log house ahoul five miles southwest of Carrollton. Here for many years they made their happy home until death sev- ered them March 17, 1855, upon which date the husband passed away from earth. The widow con- tinued to live on the old homestead for about a year, but it was no longer home for her, now that her companion had departed. She has since made her home with her children, and is now living at an advanced age. Of her nine children, seven grew to maturity. The subject of this biographical sketch whs next to the eldest in age in this household, and was born in Greene County, III., January 7, 1 ,s 2 2 . There he made his home through his boyhood and through all the years of his early manhood. His educa- tion was received in the district schools and lie was faithfully attentive not only there but in his farm duties, and thus grew to he a young man who was looked up to among his comrades as a progressive and thoughtful citizen. When about thirty three years old he removed, in February, I 855, to this county, settling in North Otter Town- ship, making his home where be now resides. The marriage of Mr. Hall in Greene County, 111., February 27, 1850, united him with Miss Eva- line Reynolds, a daughter of John and Catherine (Clepper) Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was a native of Virginia, and his wife of Tennessee, although but little is known of their early history. She died near Greenfield, Greene County, about 1836, when her daughter was but a little child; the father survived until the spring of 1858, when he passed from life near Carrollton, Greene County. Of a family of nine children, Mrs. Hall was the fifth and was born at the home in Greene County. Novem- ber 9, 1830, and there made her home until her marriage. Nine beautiful and promising children blest the marriage of our subject and his wife. Their eldest child, Laura, died at the age of seven years, and was deeply mourned by her affectionate parents. John T.. married Miss Lucy E. Compton, and is a farmer in North Otter; Mary L.. an accomplished ! and refined lady, still resides at home; Sophronia F:. is the wife of Eber Shroyer, a farmer in North i Otter. Then came four sons, Charles C, Enoch ! A., Luther and Robert P., of whom three are living, while Luther died at the age of eleven months and another child, unnamed, died in early infancy. I Mr. Hall has made farming his life work and RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL HALL, SEC. 13. , NORTH OTT ER TP,MACOUPI N CO., ILL. RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL ENG LAN D , SLC . 33., GIRARD TR,MACOUPl N CO., ILL. REG I DENCt BALLARD , SEC. 26., NORTH OTTER TR, MACOUPIN CO., ILL. LIBRARY OF TH€ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 711 with it has mingled slock raising to a considerable extent. In all his work he has been successful, for he has based it upon an intelligent understanding of the soil and its products and on the qualities of the stock be undertook to raise. 1 1 is fine farm comprises two hundred acres of rich and produc- tive soil, and it is ornamented and made more profitable by the planting of shade and fruit trees. A comfortable and commodious farm-house and other substantial buildings speak aloud of the thrift and prosperity of the owner. The offices of Highway Commissioner and School Director have been satisfactorily Idled by our sub- ject, who in his politics is a stiff, old fashioned .laeksonian Democrat, believing that the doctrines which were promulgated by Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, are good enough for these modern days. He is an active worker in his party where his opinions are looked up to and his judgment approved. Roth he and his excellent wife are true helpers in the cause of religion, and consistent members of the Baptist Church. The sons of this family are making their mark among the young men of their community. Charles O, is now a physician, graduated at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, and also a". Rush Medical College, at Chicago, ami was honored by being appointed to deliver the valedictory address before Ins class at Rush in March, 1891. Enoch A. is a farmer and resides at home. Every mem ber of this honored household helps to sustain the reputation of the family for intelligence, character and laudable ambition. AMUEL ENGLAND, one of the prosperous citizens of Girard, was born in Morgan County. Tenn., February 22, 1820. He comes of substantial parentage. His grand- father, Joseph England, moved from Virginia to Tennessee and was a pioneer in Morgan County, where he bought, a tract of land and engaged in farming. He sojourned there until 1830, when be came to Illinois, and resided in Macoupm County for a time. Removing thence to Marion County, he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Wilkins, until the day of his death. John England, father of our subject was born in Virginia and reared in 'Tennessee. He bought a tract of lam! ami engaged in farming until 1830, and then with his wife and ten children and ids father and mother came to Illinois, making the re- moval li\ team and bringing the household goods along. After live weeks of travel they landed in Morgan County, and there spent the winter, which was the season of the deep snow. In the spring of 1881, they came to Macoupin County and buying a squatter's claim, entered land from the Govern- ment in the vicinity of what is now known as North Otter. The new home was in a cabin 14xl(i, builtof logs, and covered with clapboards which were rived by hand. The chimney was of slabs covered with mud and the floor of puncheon split by hand. 'The family lived there for two years, and then built a larger log house. Neighbors were scarce and Mr. England had to go eight miles to gel '^n|lj.ci*Bt help to raise the house. He split puncl#Tm»£«>r the floor and made the doors of the same material rusTOg wooden pins instead of nails. From the wooden latch the door string hung out. For many years there was no railroad near them and Alton was the nearest market town. Deer were plenty and roamed at will. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Lina Hall, was accustomed to spinning and weaving cotton cloth as well as flax, and clothed all her children in home spun. 'The father cleared quite a tract of his land and continued to reside there until his death in 1858. The mother ditd at the old homestead in 1811, having reared ten children. In company with his brother-in law our subject purchased land at 12.50 per acre. He built a small house and after residing there one year sold it for $700. He then bought another eighty-acre tract in the same township (North Ot- ter) for which he paid $500. From that time he was prosperous. He improved the land, built upon it. and purchased other land adjoining, and resid- ed there until 18C6 when he sold out and bought where he now lives. 'The farm comprises two hun- dred and twenty-five acres of finallyimproved (\ 712 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. prairie land, adjoining the village of Guard. Good buildings have been placed upon it and the thrift and eutei prise of the owner is apparent at a glance. A view of this pleasant home is presented elsewhere in this volume. The marriage of our subject took place in 1846. His bride was Louisa C. Smith, a daughter of Moses and Permelia Smith. Her death occurred in 1863, mourned by all who knew her. Six children blest tli is union, namely : Antoinette, Elias M., Mar- shall W., Lvelyn, Elizabeth and John. Mr. Eng- land is an active and earnest member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and his wife was also con- nected with that denomination. <* ylLKY BALLARD. The well-cultivated \/\l// fann of one ' iun(lre ^ ant ' seventy acres )fi$ which is part of section 27, North Otter Township, is owned by him of whom we write. Mr. Ballard is a Southerner by birth, his father being Lewis Ballard, who was a North Carolinian. His mother was Lucy (Pace) Ballard a native of Georgia. They were, however, among the early settlers of Greene County, where they both died. Our subject was born near Whitehall. Greene County, December 27, 1833. The father of our subject was a farmer and on his place the son was reared and remained until he had reached manhood. His life was not unlike that of other farmer boys He attended school in the winters and helped with the farm work in the summer season. Early in life he was attracted to a lady of his own county and they were married in Greene County, this State. March 15, 1857. Mrs Ballard's maideu name was Rebecca K. Brod- markle. She was a daughter of John and Ellen (Bell) Brodmarkle, natives of Maryland. Her parents, however, were early settlers in Greene County and there they died. Mrs. Ballard was born in Allegany County, Md., December 14, 1831. In the spring of 1857 she came with her family to Macoupin County and in the fall of 1858 settled on the farm where they now live. Our subject has always been a farmer and is much interested in all the branches of agri- cultural pursuits. For thirty-eight seasons he ran a threshing machine. The family occupy a tine large house which Mr. Ballard erected upon his place at a large cost. It is well located, command- ing a charming view of the surrounding country and is as convenient and pleasant as intelligent arrangement and taste can make it. A view of this beautiful country home is presented on another page. Mr. and Mrs. Ballard are the parents of three children The eldest child, John II., died when six and a half years old; Mary E. became the wife of Robert Alfonl. and the youngest son. Charles W., is a student in Brown's Business College of Jack- sonville; he is a bright young man and the expec- tations of his friends are that he will lie a central figure, by virtue of his ability and adherence to the course of work he has adopted, in whatever circle he casts his lot. The original of this sketch favors the economic principles and theories held by the Republican party and casts his vote with them. Although a quiet, unpretentious man, and having no desire for the emoluments of office, the township has recog- nized his judgment and worth by electing him to the important post of School Director. Mr. Bal- lard's farm is a model of neatness, showing the most painstaking care of every detail in farm life. He has good buildings which are kept in fine re- pair and the implements on his farm are those hav- ing the latest improvements. . He spent his early life in his natal place until he reached eleven 714 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. years of ago, and then with his parents removed to Macoupin County, where the years were spent until he reached manhood. Until his marriage be made his home in his father's house, after which he settled in North Palmyra Township. The first marriage of Mr. Gibson was with Miss Mary Cumminga and the bridal ceremony took place March 13, 1866. The lady was a daughter of William and Julia (Davis) Cummings, both of Kentucky. Her father died in Girard, this State; the motherstill survives. Mrs. Gibson was born in Palmyra Township March 7, 1836. She presented her husband with nine children who are named as follows: Julia E., Amanda J., Ida A., Emlus N., Sarah B., Albert Q., William M., Lillian M., and Oily B. The oldest child and daughter is the wife of Oscar Carr; the second daughter married J. W. Crump; Ida A. is the wife of Peter Brubaker; Sarah H. died in infancy; Lillian M. is the wife of G. W. Wrightsman. Mr. Gibson's first wife died in North Otter Township, April 2, 188!). Our subject again married in Montgomery County, this State, December 1, 1890. His bride was Mrs. Elizabeth (Studcbaker) Leer, daughter of John E. and Mary (Neff) Studebaker, and widow of the Rev. Abraham S. Leer, who died in Christ- ian County, this Stale, January 6, 1883. The family comprises four children by that marriage. They are Asa A., who married Leotha Mertz; John W. married Martha E. Shull ; Elma N., and Laura E. Mrs. Elizabeth Gibson was born in Elkhart County, Ind., July 2, 1846. Our subject has taken a deep interest in educational affairs and has hcli various offices in the school district. He is also an active worker in the church, a member of the German Baptist Church, as is his wife and family. He has always been engaged in agricultural work and now owns one hundred and sixty-eight acres in North Otter Township. With Cue exception of some eight or ten months Mr. Gibson has always resided in Morgan or Macoupin Counties. In that short interval he lived in Jackson County, Mo. For many years he was Deacon in the church and since 1874 has been a preacher. In 1883 he was appointed pastor of the West Otter Creek Church. Mrs. Gibson's first husband, the Rev. Abraham S. Leer, was elected to the ministry in 1870 and in August, 1876, he became pastor of Bear Creek Church in Christian County, and was thus engaged at the time of his death. John E. Studebaker, the father of Mrs. Gibson, was for a long time Deacon in the German Baptist Church. The Rev. Isham Gibson was an Elder in the church from 182'J until he removed to Missouri and was a minister for upwards of fifty years. Our subject has a fine place, bearing a good and commodious dwelling. His family are genial, pleasant people who are much liked in the com- munity .«.;.»-. 'IOIIN A. WALLACE. The original of this sketch is the owner of one hundred and eighty-two acres of laud located on section 24, North Otter Township. He is a native of New Hampshire, having there passed his youth- ful days and there remained until after he was twenty-two years old. His father was Amos Wallace wiio was born in Franconia, N. II.; his mother was Mary (Ilildreth) Wallace, who was born in Littleton, N. II. They settled in Little- ton and there remained until they died. The father was a farmer by occupation and doubtless found his time fully occupied in making prolific the rocky ground of New Hampshire. One can imagine that the twelve children that the family boasted, found occupation in picking up the stones on the farm and ranging them in symmetrical' order as fencing. Our subject was the eleventh child and was born in Littleton, N. H., November 8, 1835. When he had leached his twenty-second year he left home and came to Macoupin Count}-, where he has ever since been a resident with the exception of about a year and a half spent, in Sangamon Count)-. He has always followed farming. His marriage took place October 2, 1861, his wife's maiden name being Mary II. Smith, a daughter of Elisha and Susan A. (Eaves) Smith of whom a sketch may be found under the name of Elisha Smith in another portion of this volume. Their marriage took place in North Otter Township at the residence of the bride's father. UBKAKY ;, k ■ . JlXJlyUy-JL- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. They are the parents of eight children— Willie A., who married Mary E. Cable; Edgar E., who died when an infant; Jesse E., wiio married Myrtic E. Chaffin; Lew E., who died in infancy; Delia A., Clara A., Leslie, all of whom died when children. and Glenna P. .Mrs. Wallace was horn in North Otter Township November 14, 1840. Oar subject has erected a series of buildings on his place which are complete in every way. Mr. Wallace iias been appointed to several of- fices in North Otter Township. He has served as School Director for a long time. In his political preference he is a Republican. Our subject and his wife are active members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Socially, Mr. Wallace is an Odd Fellow. tx ANIEL PERK1NE. A family which comes J/ of a good and noble ancestry in the genuine y^ sense of the word noble, may well have cause for congratulation. To be descended from lords and dukes it is not necessary to come of no- ble blood, but to he the descendants of genera- tions of [Hire lives and strict integrity is to have a heritage which stands one well in the struggles of life. Such an inheritance has Mr. Perrine, who is a successful and practical farmer, residing on sections 13 and 14. Rilyard Township. One hun- dred and eighteen acres of his farm are in this town- ship and most of it is tinder cultivation. His homestead of ninety acres is especially fine, beina' highly improved and having upon it handsome and commodious buildings. Since he came to this place, about 185ti, Mr. Perrine has resided continuously upon the same estate. The year previous to his coming here he spent in Brushy Mound Township and passed three years in Jersey County. He was reared in 1'ick- away County, Ohio, and came thence to Jersey County earl}- in the '50s. He had his nativity in Monmouth County, N. J., July 4, 1822. His father, William Perrine, and his grandfather, Matthew, were both bom in that county. The grandfather bad reached an extreme age at the time of his death, as had also the grandmother who survived her husband. He was a soldier in Mm Revolutionary War during the last year of that struggle. William Perrine, the father of our subject, is one Of a family of seven Children, who have all passed to the spirit land except the youngest daughter. He grew up a farmer in New Jersey and there married Miss Rachel Lippincott, a native of Mon- mouth County. They came from New Jersej to Ohio after their marriage and the birth of four children, and lived in the Buckeye State for some years. The mother was of New Jersey parentage and New England stock. After the birth of all his children and the death of his wife, William Perrine came West and spent his last years with our subject in Illinois. lie passed away at the age of sixty-seven years. Both he and his amiable wife were persons of true godliness and loveliness ■ >(' character and were worthy of the universal affection with which they are regarded. They are members of the United Brethren Church. Daniel Perrine was the second in age of a family of seven, three of whom still remain in this life. After being reared upon the farm in Hocking and Pickaway Counties. Ohio, and having attained manhood, lie was married in Hocking County to Miss Emily Doyle. This lady was a native of Ohio and was there reared in Perry County and came to Illinois with her husband. She died ai her home in this township, September 7. 1884, having at that time reached the age of fifty-live years. Sln> was a most worthy wife and mother and a con- sistent and beloved member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which she had been con- nected from the time she was sixteen years old. She lost two of Inr twelve children before her own death, but the others lived and most of them have established families of their own. They are bring- ing up their children to reve.e the memory of the grandmother. The two children who did! are Alice, who was taken away when a little one of three years, ami Elizabeth, who was called at the age of twenty. Those children who are still here are John, who took to wife Elizabeth Jones, and who own-, and occupies a farm in this township; William, who married Alice Mitchell and lives in Morrison ville, 718 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Christian County, this State; Ann, the widow of William Colter, who lives on a farm in this town- ship; Jane, Mrs. Charles Hucklebridge, who lives (.n a farm near Wellington, Sumner County. Kan.; Clara, Mrs. Edward Huddleston, who lives on a farm in Spanish Needle, this county; Emma, who is at home with her father; Dora, the wife of Charles Trabue,of Alton; Daniel Edward, Effie and Katie, who are at home. Mr. Perrine was a second time married in this county at Carlinville to Mrs. Mary Barrett nee Raynolds. She was horn in Tennessee and in her infancy came with her parents to Greene County, 111., where she was reared. She married Elijah Barrett, who enlisted to fight in the War of the Rebellion and did not live to return home. Deleft to her a family of eight children, but she has no children by her present marriage. The Methodist Church is the religious home of this valuable couple whose lives of Christian charity and helpful- ness to others, endear them to all their neighbors. Mr. Perrine advocates the principles of the Repub- lican parly and casts his vote for its men and measures. A lithographic portrait of Mr. Perrine accom- panies this biographical review. |_ ENRY J. CALDWELL, one of the leading and representative farmers of Staunton Township, resides on section 34. where he has made his home for the long period of thirty-seven years. His residence in the county covers a period of fifty-five years, and thus he is one of its earliest settlers. A representative of one of the pioneer families he well deserves repre- sentation in this volume. His father, George Caldwell, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, near Belfast in 1802, and was of Scotch-Irish de- scent. He grew up in the county of his nativity and was there joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Johnson, soon after which they sailed for America, crossing the Atlantic about 1828. They took up their resilience in Philadelphia, where some years before an older brother of Mr. Caldwell had lo- cated — Henry by name. During the Jackson ad- ministration he was officially connected with the Custom House and later came West, making his home for some years in Staunton Township, this county, where he became a prominent citizen and served as Justice of the Peace and Postmaster of S'aunlon for some years. He met his death by a train on the Wabash Road which struck him while he was standing near the station. There was also another brother of the family who came to this country — Hugh. He. too, served for a number of years as Postmaster of Staunton and is now living in Missouri. After spending some years in Philadelphia, George Caldwell and his family finally came West, locating in 1836, on land which his brother Henry had previously entered from the Government. He lived to see almost the entire growth and develop ment of the county. A man of robust health and abundant vitality he was well fitted for pioneer life and enjoyed many of its experiences. When he came here the city of Staunton was a mere hamlet containing only two or three houses and all around was wild, unbroken land. The nearest mill and market was at Alton and it was no easy task during some seasons of the year to make the jour- ney there as the roads were almost impassable. The family experienced the usual trials and hardships of pioneer life but this mode of living also had its pleasures. It was the day of hospitality which is hardly seen now, wheti the latch-string always hung out and every visitor was made welcome. The woods were full of wild game which bountifully supplied the table with meat and one had ample opportunity to indulge a love of hunting. Mr. Caldwell was prospered in his efforts and in the course of time he had become owner of an excel- lent farm. His death occurred at the home of our subject July 6, 1887, at the age of eighty-five years. Thus another of the honored and early pioneers passed away He was one of Nature's noblemen whom everyone respected and esteemed for bis sterling worth. In politics he was a Demo- crat but never sought or desired public office. Ilis wife passed away in 1882, at the age of seventy- five years, and like her husband she was a member 1'OKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 710 of the Presbyterian Churcb. Their family num- bered fix children but only two ore now living: Henry J. of this sketch; and Lavina P. who re- sides with her brother. (rider the parental roof and amid the wild scenes of frontier life our subject grew to manhood and in the log school, so common at that time, he acquired his education. He was earl}- inured to hard work but thereby developed a self-reliance and force of character which have proved of incal- culable benefit to him in later years. When he had attained his majority he was united in mar- riage near Ilillsboro, 111, with Miss Nancy Griffith, who was born in Montgomery County, III., Septem- ber 6, 1832, and is a daughter of John and Harriet (l'yalt) Griffith, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of North Carolina. During child- hood they came witli their respective families to Illinois, where they were married and ever after- ward continued residents of Montgomery County. The mother there died some years ago but Mr. Griffith is still living at the age of eighty-five years. He has been a second time married, his wife having formerly been Mrs. (Skillman) Bryan. He is a member of the Baptist Church and has made farming his life-work. His children all called in on March 27, 1890, (except John Jr., of Oklaho- mo) and gave him a surprise on the eighty-fourth year of his age. Mr. Griffith is still hale and hearty for one of his age. Mrs. Caldwell was one of a family of ten chil- dren, five of whom are yet living. .She remained at home until her marriage and then came to pre- side over her husband's home which she graces with all the true attributes of a wife and mother. By their union have been born six children but four are now deceased: George W., John F. and Mary died in infancy; and George B. died at the age of nineteen years. Charles E., who married Miss Lizzie Yoyles, is living on the old home farm; and James II. assists in the operation of the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell are members of the Presbyterian Church and in politics he is a Prohibitionist. For four years he has served as Justice of the Peace. He deserves to be classed among the honored pioneers to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for the part which they have taken in the upbuilding and development of the county. He has ever identified himself with its best interests and is known as a worthy and valued citizen whose life entitles him to the regard and esteem of all, -"* -sfMN- •»- UALLACE II. BRICK, one of the exten- sive land owners and prominent farmeisof Staunton Township, has in his home farm three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land. the whole under a high state of cultivation. Us many excellent improvements were nearly all placed there by himself and stand as monuments to his ambition and industry. The farm is supplied with good buildings, a comfortable and substantial residence, the laLest improved machinery and is well stocked. There is not the minutest appear- ance of neglect, but every thing indicates the care- ful attention of a thrifty and progressive owner. He also has a valuable farm of Iwo hundred and forty acres elsewhere in Staunton Township and has other possessions to the amount, of thirteen hundred acres of land, the greater part of which is well tilled and yields a golden tribute to the owner. Mr. Bruce was born in County Dare, Ireland, in 1827, and is a son of Samuel Bruce who belonged to an Irish Protestant family. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and in the county of his nativity led to the marriage altar Miss Ma- tilda Patters. Accompanied by his wife and sever- al of their children, he sailed from Belfast in 1830, having determined to try his fortune in the New World. Landing in New York City after a long and tedious voyage of more than six weeks, he came on at once by canal and river to Alton. III., and with teams overland to Macoupin County. He made a settlement in Staunton Township, near the village of that name which then consisted of only one store and a few houses. His time and attention he devoted to farming until his death, which was caused by pneumonia. He died after a very short illi.ess at the age of fifty-six years and his loss was deeply mourned by many friends. He lived a 720 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. quiet, unassuming and upright life. His wife who survived him for more than twenty years, died in Staunton at the age of seventy. Ilotli were mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church and were active workers, doing all in their power foi the advance- ment of the cause. Our subject was only ten years of age when his father died and his care and training thus devolved upon the mother who faithfully performed her duly, laboring for the interests of her children until they were old enough to care for themselves. Not wishing to tax his mother with his support, as soon as he had attained a sufficient age. Mr. Bruce began to cam his own livelihood, working as a farm hand until he had acquired sufficient capital to purchase land. He further completed his ar- rangements for a home by his marriage with Miss Eliza Clark, a native of the Emerald Isle, born in 1830. With her parents she came to America in 1842, and spent her girlhood days upon the old homestead farm. Together Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have labored and her able assistance has been no unimportant fac'or in securing his success. Their union has been blessed with eleven children and the family circle yet remains unbroken, though some have married and left the parental roof for homes of their own — Charles, who wedded Jennie Sprecher, is engaged in farming in Clyde; Thomas is now operating bis father's farm in Madison County; Lizzie is at home; Belle is the wife of .lames Earley. a farmer living near New Douglas, Madison County; Walter and Kdward aid in operating the home farm; Agnes is a dressmaker of Staunton; William, Robert, Callie and May are at home. Mr. Bruce and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church and in the social world are held in high regard. Tboy have reared a large family of children who do honor to their name and of whom they may well be proud. In politics. Mr. Bruce is a Democrat and keeps himself well informed concerning the issues of the day but has never sought or desired public offic \ preferring to devote his entire attention to his busi- ness interests and this he has done with most ex- cellent success. He is not only industrious and enterprising, but also possesses good management, excellent business ability and is sagacious and far- sighted. As his financial resources have increased, he has made judicious investments in real estate and as the land has risen in value he has become a wealthy man. ssfe*;; GEORGE il. SEWALL, editor and publisher of the Yirden Reporter, is one of the lead- ing journalists of this section of Illinois. He is a fine representative of the intelligent and progressive native-born citizens of this county, who may be found in the various walks of life actively promoting its highlest interests. Yirden is the birthplace of our subject, anil November 8, 1859. the date of his birth. He is a son of William W. Sewall, formerly a well-known resident of this city. William Sewall is also a native of this State, bom at Jacksonville February 11,1832. His father's name was William Henry Sewall. who was born at Augusta, Me., June 17, 1799, descending from good old New England stock, being the son of Gen. Henry Sewall. a brave officer of the Revolu- tion, who was born at York, Me.. October 24, 17.V2, and at about the age of twenty-three years took up arms for his country at the very commence- ment of the Revolutionary VVar,and was appointed Corporal of David Bradish Company, from Fal- mouth, and continuing in the Colonial Army to the close of the war. he rose to the rank of Major, part of the time acting under Washington at the North. After the war he was seven years a Select- man, and thirty-two years Town Clerk in Hnllo- well and Augusta. He was seventeen years Register of Deeds and Clerk of the District of Maine from its origin in 1789. lie was promoted in the mili- tary service of his State through the subordinate grades to the rank of Major-General of the Eighth Division. He died at his residence in Augusta, Me., September 5, 1845, aged about ninety-throe years. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was both a teacher and a farmer. In his youth he received a fair education, kept his father's books for several years with success, and about the age of twenty-one went to Washington to accept a Gov- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, eminent position which he bad secured, but being shipwrecked on the way and nearly freezing to death, it being midwinter, a long and serious ill- ness followed, after recovering from which his plans were entirely changed, and he taught school for several years in Maryland and Eastern and Western Virginia, and was married August 9, 1820, at Green's Hotel in Washington City, to a widow lady. Mrs. Elizabeth W. Adams, of Charles County, Md„ Rev. Mr. McCormack officiating. Mrs. Adams was formerly Miss Middleton, daugh- ter of Samuel W. and Chatham Middleton, and was horn duly 27, 1795. After marriage this couple came to Illinois and settled at Jacksonville in 1829, where they resided two or three years, and Mr. Sew- all again taught school. They were present at the organization of the first Presbyterian Church in the place, and were among its first members. In 1833 they removed to their farm of six hundred and forty acres, entered from the Government near the present site of Chandlerville, Cass County, 111., then part of Morgan County. Here he organized the first Sabbath school in the neighborhood, helped organize the first church (Presbyterian), and was one of its first Elders. He laid the foundation for a competence for bis family, although his life was cut short by his untimely death, April 7, 1846, at the age of forty-nine years. His wife spent her last days with her daughter. Mrs. J. II. Goodell, near Chandlerville, and died there October 5, 1872, aged seventy-nine years, two months and eight days. The father of our subject was a youth when his father died, and he continued to live with his mother on the home farm for a time. He then went to Jacksonville to complete his education, and was graduated from Illinois College in the Class of ';">6. Possessing much mechanical skill, he learned the trade of a carpenter, serving his apprenticeship at Jacksonville. He came from there to Virden in tiic early settlement of the village, and in the exer cise of his calling was an important agent in pro moling its growth. In August, 18G2, he threw aside all personal aims and private business to help light his country's battles in the great war that was then raging be- tween the North and the South, enlisting in August, 721 1862, in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty, second Illinois Infantry, and he did good service witl1 ''is c pany in all its marches and campaigns. While bravely lighting at Ft. lilakcly, he was wounded. His gallant conduct in the various en- gagements with the enemy in which he took part received due recognition by his promotion from the ranks to the position of Sergeant, and he was honorably discharged while acting in that capacity. After leaving the army Air. Sewall resumed work at his trade at Virden, and was thus employed until 1 869. In that, year with Simons. Patterson tfe Co., he erected a Hour mill, known as the North star Mill,. and he devoted himself to the manufacture of flour until I SSL In 1885 he went to Carthage, Mo., bought a tract of land close to the town, and established a fruit farm, which he has had in suc- cessful operation ever since. He was married De- cember !», 1850, to Miss Susan E. Cox, a native of this county, born in North Otter Township, and a daughter of Jesse and Cynthia (Gibson) Cox. For parental history see sketch of William Cox. Mr. and Mrs. Sewall have four children, namely: George H.. Mary E., William J. and Ilattie. Our subject was reared in his native town, and laid the solid foundation of a liberal education in the local public schools. In his youth he became a student at Black bui n University, where he applied himself assiduously to his studies, and was gradu- ated with a good rank for scholarship in the Class of 'S3. He was thus well lilted to enter upon the duties of his chosen profession as a journalist, ami he became local editor of the Macoupin Enquirer. Six months later he gave up that position to take charge of the Virden Reporter, of which he has since been sole editor and proprietor. Under his able management this publication Ins risen to a place of importance among the newspapers of this and surrounding counties. It is issued in a neat and attractive form, is bright and interesting, and its editorials on the leading questions of the day keep apace with the times. It is a strict Republican party organ, but always deals fairly with its oppo- nents, and presents their views on national ami local polities impartially. Editor Sewall is a popular man with all classes, and he is prominent in various social organization,, 722 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. He belongs to Virden Lodge, No. 161, A. F. & A. M.; is a member of the James R. Freeman Camp, No. 305, S. of V., of which he was the first Captain. He was one of the first to join Logan. Camp at Carlinville, whieli was among the first organized in Illinois. He is also Secretary of the Masonic lodge. A.I. P. C. HUGGINS, of Bunker Hill, is one of the most honored of Macoupin County's pioneers and this work would be incomplete if his sketch was omitted. No man has been more prominently connected with its history and upbuilding or done so much toward founding its leading towns as he, and we could not, if we would, efface his name from the annals of the county. In Cornish Township. Sullivan County, N. H., the Major opened his eyes to the light of the day February 28, 1814, and was reared to manhood in the State of his nativity. He received a good practical education in the common schools anil his business training was acquired as a clerk, in which occupation he engaged at the age of fourteen years. He came West a single man and after two years returned to New Hampshire, where he wedded Miss Mary L. Whittelsey, who was also born and reared in Sullivan County. The wedding journey of the young couple was a trip to their new home in the West and they began their domestic life at this place where Mrs. Huggins died at the birth of her first child, which is also deceased. The Major was a second time married in Bunker Hill, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth S. Knowlton. Her maiden name was Woodard and she is a native of Connecticut, where she grew to womanhood and was married to Samuel Knowlton, with whom she came to Macoupin County about 1836. Her first husband died on his farm in Bunker Hill Town- ship. Three children were born of that union — Albert, now living ill Newton, Kan.; Sarah, wife of D. W. Woodman, a lumber merchant of Litchfield, now living a retired life; and Nellie, wife of S. O. Sawyer, a dealer in stationery, of St. Louis. Mr. Huggins and his wife have two children — Frank cretary d Mary E., who married Laura Spencer, and is Secretary of a coal company in Zanesville, Ohio; and Mary E., wife of Henry B. Davis, an attorney of St Louis. On the main traveled road between St. Louis and Springfield, 111., more than a half a century ago was a little village, one of the chief stopping places on the road. It was in a thriving condition and gave promise of future growth. Such a place was likely to attract the attention of an enterprising and ambitious young man who wished to make a successful life. Being pleased with its prospects, Maj. Huggins there located in 1838, securing a small tract of land upon which he builta cabin and has there made his home continuously since, al- though the first house has long since been replaced by a commodious residence which is now situated on Main Street, in the heart of the little city. Af- ter a short time he put in a small stock of general merchandise and began to sell goods, which place of business was the first permanent one of the kind in Bunker Hill. Not long after a postoffice was there located, called Lincoln and a Mr. Phillips, an old Boston gentleman, was made Postmaster. On his death the Major succeeded him, having to take the office first as bondsman and later was appointed the regular Postmaster by President Polk, although he was a Whig. He held the office for some years, during the time when high rate of postage was charged on all mail matter. The usual experiences and hardships of pioneer life form a part of Mr. Huggins' history. The country around about Bunker Hill was in those days all wild and unsettled and game of all kinds, including prairie chickens, turkeys, etc., was to be had in abundance. However, as time passed set- tlements were made in the timber or along the streams mostly east and south of Bunker Hill, which was known for years as Wolf Ridge, from the fact that a den of wolves was there found. Wonderful are the changes which have occurred since that time and the transformation which has been wrought. To the early settlers is due a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid for they laid the foundation of the county's prosperity. Mr. Huggins has been prominently identified with the business interests of Bunker Hill and in order to PORTRAIT AND RIOORAPHICAL RECORD. 723 make it a business center he established a castor- oil mill, the first in the county, which had the de- sired effect of bringing people into the town. So well did his enterprise succeed that a large mill of the kind Imilt sonic time before at Edwardsville, found in him n competitor who was drawing much of their trade, so that the proprietors sought to buy biro out, offering him a large profit on his invest- ment. In the meantime, by an accident, he had discovered a successful process for purifying the oil. Snow had blown into his kettles and he found that soft water was the needed article. Having concluded his sale with the Edwardsville firm Mr. Huggins launched into the flouring-mill business, establishing what was known as the Red Mill near Hunker Hill. It was the first one in successful op- peration in the county and drew custom for more than twenty miles around. He continued to ope- rate it for some years and in the meantime became interested in another enterprise. He saw that the introduction of a railroad would prove of immense benefit to Bunker Hill and began operations to- wards securing the construction of the Alton & Terre Haute Road through this place. After a long and hard struggle and much engineering on his part the road was secured to this point and he be- came one of its first directors, a position which he held seven years and during that time he located a number of depots and laid out the towns of Litch- field. Gillespie, Pana and others. The history of the introduction of railroads into Illinois is famil- iar to him. The schemes and intrigues worked by the various roads became known to him and he de- serves great credit for circumventing these and se- curing the road to Bunker Hill. From the organization of the Republican party, Major Huggins has been one of its supporters and by it in ISO!) was elected to the county judgeship, which position he filled during the '•courthouse fight." He had many intricate questions to settle and had to use every effort to prevent further in- trigues by those who had worked up the great tux imposition. He labored hard to prevent expenses being heaped up upon the people and in this way made some bitter enemies but at the same time he won hosts of friends by his efforts and sacrifices in defense of the rights against malicious intrigues. His ridings were always wise and just and he proved one of the ablest and most efficient judges which Macoupin County has ever had. Between 185;") and 1860, Maj. Huggins with a number of olhersof the leading citizens of Bunker Hill determined to improve the educational intci- ests of the city and builded "hat has since been known as the Bunker Hill Seminary, he becoming one of the Trustees and President of the school, which has bad a varied experience and is now run as a private school under the direction of Prof. Stiver. In his social relations the Major is a Mason and a deinitted Odd Fellow and both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church at Bunker Hill, of which he was one of the organizers and of which he is a liberal supporter. The public and private life of Maj. Huggins is alike above re proach and he is honored as one of the pioneer fathers of the county, where for more than a half a century he has made his home. (X^' "\ EORGE DREW, manufacturer and dealer in harness of Bunker Hill, has carried on business in that line longer than any other in the county. He is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Stallbridge, Blackmore Valley, Dorsetshire, March 2, 1828. His parents, John and Hannah (Jeans) Drew, were also born in Dorsetshire. His father was a harnessmaker by trade and followed that business throughout his entire life in pursuit of fortune. He married Miss Jeans, whose father was a blacksmith of Dorset- shire. The parents of our subject spent their en- tire lives in the county of their nativity, the father dying at the age of seventy-five years, and the mother when seventy-two years of age. Both were members of the established Church of England. In their family were twelve children of whom George is the fourth in order of birth. He has one brother and a sister, who came to this country. The former, Martin Drew, came to America anil after living for two years in Hunker Hill, went to Minnesota, where he spent the remainder of his 724 PORTRAIT AND BIOG1U PIIJCAL RECORD. days. The sister. Martha, wife of Thomas Sawyer, lived for a time in Bunker Hill, and then with her husband went to Kansas City where both died. Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the parental home and witli his father learned the trade of a harnessmaker. After work- ing for a few years as a journeyman he decided to try his fortune in America, and in January, 1851, having bade good-by to home and native land, em- barked on the sailing vessel, "Cato" bound for New Orleans, but during the voyage the ship was stranded on the Island of Little Bermuda in the Atlantic. The passengers were carried by another vessel to Nassau and afterward to New Orleans, from whence Mr Drew made his way up the Mis- sissippi River to St. Bom's and on across the coun- try to Hunker Mill, where his brother Martin had located the year before. He at once established business in the line of his trade and for forty con- secutive years has now carried on harnessmaking in Bunker Hill. His trade increasing he has at times furnished employment to several persons. He has always received a good share of the busi- ness of Bunker Hill and the surrounding country and is well known throughout this section of the State as a straightforward, honest business man, well deserving of the liberal patronage which is accorded him. Hi the city where he makes his home, Mr. Drew was joined in wedlock with Mrs. Mary .lames, widow of Joseph James. She was born in Hamil- ton in the Province of Ontario, Canada, in 1823, and is of English and Scotch descent. Her par- ents were also natives of the Province of Ontario, where they spent their entire lives. The daughter was a young maiden when she came to Bunker Hill and some years later she married Mr. James by whom she had two children — Robert, who is a har- nessmaker of Athens, 111 ; and Martha, a music teacher of recognized ability in St. Louis. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Drew have been born six children — Frank, now a student in col- lege at Bloomington, 111.; Fannie at home, Edward who is now located in Sacramento, CaL; Addie, wife of Eugene Barnes, a resident farmer of Bun- ker Hill Township; Mary, wife of John Ayers, a hardware dealer of Ft. Smith, Ark. ; and Charles who is employed as a salesman in the mercantile es tablishment of Charles Johnston in Decatur. The Drew household is noted for its hospitality and the members of the family rank high in the social world. Mr. Drew is a sound Republican in polit- ical sentiment and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church. vas then selling at fifty cents on the dollar, and thus secured eighty acres of land for *50 cash. A log house was on the place when Mr. Woolley took it and into this he moved his family. Later he entered four hundred acres of Government land in the same township, hut there were then no railroads and none came through that region for many years. Markets for grain and produce were inaccessible. He used to take the products of his farm to the river three miles distant and ship it on flatlioats to Alton or New Orleans. He remained a resident of that township until his death. The mother of our subject bore the maiden of Laura Hodge. She was born in Connecticut. She survived her husband and the last years of her life were spent with her daughter, Mrs. A. H. Eld- red, in Polk Township. She reared to maturity nine of her twelve children. They are named as follows: John IL. now deceased; James R., a resi- dent of Western Mound Township; Norman C. and Edwin, who reside in Greenfield; Emeline, who married E. B. Eldred and is now deceased; Maria, who was the wife of W. II. Ellis, of Greene County, is now deceased; Laura, Mrs. A. H. El- dred, who resides in Polk Township; and Julia, the wife of John Ernst, of Western Mound Town- ship. The subject of this sketch was trained to agri- cultural pursuits and attended the public schools, which were then taught on the subscription plan, free schools not being yet inaugurated. They did not come into general use until this \oung man was nearly grown up. He resided with his parents until he had attuned his majority, and after the death of his father bought the old homestead and resided there until 1865. He then sold his prop- erty and purchased a farm in Carliuville Town- ship. There he made his borne until the fall of 1867, when he sold out and purchased ten acres of land in the city, which is now known as C. A. Woolley's Addition to Carlinville. He platted the land and in February, 1868, traded it for his father-in-law's homestead in North Otter Township, there resided continuously until 1882, when he purchased his present home in Girard. Although a resident of the city, he still superintends the management of his farm, where he is extensively engaged in raising horses, cattle, etc. I his farm of three hundred and lift)- acres i3 mostly in a finely improved condition and furnished with good buildings and all necessary accessories for farm work. In 1858 Mr. Woolley was united in marriage with Miss Eunice M. Langley. She was born in Pennsylvania and is a daughter of James and Jane (Weston) Langley. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Woolley, namely: Delia, wife of William M. Evans; Mae, James D. and Dale. Mr. Woolley is a wide-awake citizen and one who takes hold with energy of all movements for the promotion of progress and prosperity in the county. He is a Republican in politics but is not a seeker for office. He is a member of Hiawatha Lodge, K. of P., and a stockholder in the Ma- coupin County Agricultural Board. He is an ac- tive promoter of all movements which tend to the prosperity of the farming community, and de serves the high esteem in which he is held by the neighbors. Mr. Woolley is engaged in the lumber business in connection with overseeing his farm. His office and lumber yard are located just south of the Public Square, where he keeps a full and complete stock of lumber, lime, cement, buggies and wagons. /p^EORGE MORRL ml g_ and efficient far '^J^l Township, is a so ^^jEORGE MORRIS, one of the prosperous irmers on section 1, Bird son of English parents, Char- les and Maria Morris, who came from Yorkshire where they were married, and made their home in America about Uie year 1851. They established their first home in Morgan County, III., and then came to Macoupin County and settled in Carlin- ville Township, where Mr. Morris died in 1*7*. His worthy wife is still living and makes her home with her children. They have ten children of whom our subject was the seventh in order of birth. He of •whom we write was born in Carlinville 734 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Township, September 12. 1860. He grew to man- hood upon his father's farm in Carlinville Town- ship, and attended the district school and was trained in the practical details of farm life. He early determined to pursue agriculture as bis life work, and now owns three hundred and twenty acres, two hundred and forty of which are in Bird Town- ship, and eighty acres in North Palmyra Township. Here lie has erected a pleasant residence, capacious barns and other outbuildings necessary to a farm, and he gives his attention wholly to farming and stock-raising. The late Charles Morris was an extensive farmer in this county and owned about seven hundred acres of rich and arable soil in Bird and Carlinville Townships. He and his worthy wife had five children who lived to maturity. They were by- name, William. Mary A.. George, Harriet and Sarah. William married Charlotte Yard and died in Car- linville Township; Mary A., has also passed away from earth; Harriet is the wife of Thomas Pierson ; and Sarah is now Mrs. Harry Brown. The prosperous condition of Mr. Morris' farm, the fine appearance of the farm buildings, and the neatness and convenience of their internal arrange- n-.ents tell the story of English thrift and industry, broadened by the influence of Western life. /p^EORGE JACKSON, who was formerly act- lll (~ — , ively engaged in farming and stock-raising, ^^S| is still connected with the agricultural in- terests of this county as the proprietor of one of its finely improved farms, pleasantly located in Chesterfield Township. There he and his wife are serenely and happily passing the declining years of lives spent in usefulness and well-doing, enjoying an ample income and the respect and regaid due to their genuine worth. Mr. Jackson is of English birth and antecedents, born in the village of Wistow, Yorkshire, England, January 18, 1823. His father, William Jackson, was a native of the same village, and a son of George Jackson, who was also born at Wistow. The latter, who spent his entire life in his native land, was well-educated, and was a practical sur- veyor. The father of our subject learned the trades of a wheelwright and carpenter, and follow- ed them during his active business life in the vil- lage of his nativity, where he always lived. He married Mary Durham, who also passed her last years at Wistow. He of whom this biography is written was the only member of the family to come to America. When quite young he worked wi'.h his father and learned the trades that he carried on, and he re- mained with him until he was twenty-one. On February 14, 1844 he set sail for this country from Liverpool in the vessel "Caledonia", and landed at New Orleans after a voyage of six weeks. He came by the way of St. Louis and Alton to this county, and located in Chesterfield Township. His means wore limited at, that time, but in the practice of his trade as a skillful carpenter, at which lie worked until 184'J, lie procured the wherewithal to purchase one hundred and twenty acres of land that year in Chesterfield Township. Fifty acres of his land were under cultivation, and a small frame house and a log cabin constituted in improve- ments at the time of purchase. He resided there eighteen years, and then rented the place and bought the farm upon which he now lives, and which constitutes three hundred and twenty acres. Two hundred and forty acres are well improved prairie land, which yield fine harvests, and are amply provided with substantial buildings. A view of this estate appears on another page. Though he still retains possession of his farm and looks keenly after his interests Mr. Jackson has retired from active labor. He and his wife know well how to enjoy the good things that life has brought them, and have also extended their pleasures by much traveling in the land of their adoption, and in 1876 they returned to England to revisit the scenes of their childhood. They are people of high character and standing in this coun- ty where so many years of their lives have been passed, and they are universally esteemed for those traits that have made them true to all obligations in the relations that they have sustained towards others. Mr. Jackson was reared within the fold of BB&SaBtoagM»».aa^«a^»'-^j^^ .. . ^^w^j^A. ■»a-.i«rg-«;,-'^-^^.,:_, i .. J ~,. CT . Mf , aa ESiDENCE OF THOS. B I ELB Y, SEC. 32., WEST E R N MOUND TP, MACOUPIN CO., ILLS. RESIDENCE OF GEORSE JACKSON, SEC. I. , CHESTER F I E L D TP, MACOU P! N CO., ILLS. UBRAHT Of WC PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ::;: the Episcopalian Church, and still holds to that belief, while Mrs. Jackson gives her sanction to the Baptist faith by her attendance at the church of that denomination. Our subject and his wife, who were married Feb- ruary II, 1849 have been eminently happy in their domestic life. They have nine children living, namely : Alice, wife of Joshua Rafferty; Zerilda, wife of Kbenezer Kerby; Nettie, wife of Samuel Waters; Maud, wife of Benjamin Brown ; Gresham, married Irene Bosem worth ;EstelIa, wife of Edward Marshall; Captilln. wife of Edward Miller; Villa Bella, wife of Edgar Middlecof; and Rufus, who married Nellie Daniels and lives at home with his parents. Mrs. Jackson bore the maiden name of Mary Morris, and she is, like her husband, a native of England, born four miles from the village of Thome. Yorkshire, May 6, I 825. Her father, John Morris, was also born in that shire, and he there grew to manhood and married Ann Sexty, who was likewise of Yorkshire birth. In 1832 he emigrated to this country with his family, taking passage on the vessel "Sarah", and landing at New York eight weeks latei. He (mine directly to Illinois by the most convenient and expeditious route at that time, traveling by the Hudson River to Albany, thence by Erie Canal to Buffalo, by Lake Erie to Cleveland, from there by the Ohio Canal to Ports- mouth, by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to St. Louis, and from there to his destination in this count)' with an ox-team. Casting in his lot with the early settlers of what is now Chesterfield Township, Mr. Morris was one of the first to settle there. He entered land from the Government, and also purchased land which had been entered by others, which he improved into a good farm, and he devoted himself assidu- ously to agricultural pursuits until death closed his earthly career. His wife also passed her last years at Chesterfield. Their daughter, Mrs. Jackson, is one of the oldest if not the oldest inhabitant in this county in point of settlement. She was seven years old when the family located here, and she still has a clear remembrance of the wild condition of the country then, when deer, wolves, bears, wild turkeys and other game were plentiful. In those early days there were no railroads and her father and husband used to team their grain to Alton, the nearest market, she has thus witnessed the entire development of the county from the wilderness to its present populous and flourishing condition. THOMAS B1ELBY. Although not brought gsjv up as a farmer, having been a manufacturer and tradesman in his early life, Thomas Bielby carries on successfully the large farm of four hundred acres which he owns on section 32, Western Mound Township. He is of English birth and parentage, having been born in Yorkshire, England, August 14. 1818, where he remained un- til manhood. In his early youth lie learned the trade of a boot and shoemaker, serving as an ap- prentice from the time he was thirteen years old until he became 'if age. This is why English goods are so'rsWjjeiMr to those made in America, the man- ufacturcrs ljfiirn their trades thoroughly and do not presume to think tfrMnselves fitted to carry on a business unless they have been trained to it. Mr. Bielby followed his trade of shoemaker un- til he came to America, in 1850. Previous to his coming to this country he was married and brought his wife hither with him. He first located in New York State, remaining there for two years, engag- ing for a time in his trade. He, however, gave up his trade and took up that of butchering, follow- ing it for about two years. He then came to Illi- nois and settled on the section where he at present resides. Since coming to Macoupin County our subject has followed the calling of a farmer, but in connec- tion with his agricultural work he has been tiie proprietor of a Sou ring-mill and also a saw-mill at Chesterfield. He has erected a good set of build- ings upon his farm and has made great improve- ments thereon. He engages in general farming and the little domain is so productive in so many branches as to be almost independent of the out- side world. A view of his commodious residence and pleasant rural environments appears on another page. 738 PORTRAIT AA'D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Bielby's marriage took place in Yorkshire, England, June 5, 1841. His wife bore the maiden name of Eliza Towse, and is a sister of the Hon. W. A. Towse in Polk Township. A sketch may be found of this gentleman in that of his parents, chronicled in another part of this volume. Mrs. Bielby was born in the place where she was mar- ried, September 12, 1820. The union of Mr. Bielby and his wife has never been blessed with children, but they have been parents in every sense to several little ones who would otherwise not have known the tender love and care belong- ing to a real home. This worthy couple celebrated their golden wedding June 5, 1891 , when abou t one hundred neighbors and friends participated in the anniversary. Our subject has taken an active interest in polit- ical affairs and is a Republican in belief and prac- tice. In religious and educational affairs he has taken a real interest and is a generous supporter of Gospel work. Our subject's experience in America has not been wholly without drawbacks. In the spring of 1880, in April, a cyclone visited the por- tion of country in which he resides and did much damage. His house was unroofed as was the barn, and nearly all the trees in his orchard were up- rooted and blown away. Our subject and his wife were away from home at the time and on their re- turn found that their place was damaged to the ex- tent of about $3,000. \ljGNATIUS SNEERINGER. On February 19, 1891, there passed from earth a gentleman who \ for years had been closely connected with the growth of the State and whose life was a clear and blotless page of noble deeds more nobly done. He it is whose name introduces these paragraphs and whose life we thus briefly record for posterity. " What need his virtues to portray ? What need his memory to defend? As husband, father, sage and friend, He walked in his Great Master's way." Just outside the city limits of Bunker Hill he had a small farm and there retired from the active duties which fell to his lot in younger years, he passed his declining days. In his pleasant home he enjoyed all the comforts of country life as well as the advantages and privileges of the city. He had witnessed almost the entire development of Macoupin County, although he resided in Madison Count}' until August, 1881. when he located in Bunker Hill Township. His residence in Illinois covered a period of thirty-six years, dating from 1855. He went to Madison County from Adams County, Pa., where he was born on the 12th of December, 1819. He is descended from old Penn- sylvania Dutch stock. His father was a life-long farmer of Adams County and died at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Obold, first opened her eyes to the light of day in Adams County, Pa., and there she lived until some years after her husband's death, when she was called to her final rest. Upon his father's farm in the county of his nativity cur subject grew to maidiood and in the common schools of the neighborhood obtained his education. His early life was marked by no event of special importance until his marriage which was celebrated in 1851. The lady of his choice, Miss Elizabeth Lansinger, was born in Littlestown, Adams County, Pa., December 22, 1830, and is a daughter of William and Catherine (Eline) Lansinger, who were also natives of the Keystone State, and he- longed to early Pennsylvania Dutch families. Her father was a carpenter and mechanic and through- out his life followed his trade in Littlestown, Pa. He lived to the ripe old age of eighty-two years. His wife died some years later in the ninety-fifth year of her age. Both were members of the Catholic Church. As before stated Mr. Sneeringer arrived in Illi- nois in 1855, and located in Madison County, on the 5th of September. He had but a limited cap- ital at that time and in consequence purchased only a small tract of land, located in Moro Township, but he was very successful in his operations and as his financial resources were thus increased he ex- tended the boundaries of his farm until three hun- dred and thirty acres paid to him a golden tribute for his care and cultivation. He also made many PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 73'J improvements such as are found on a model farm and devoted some attention to stock raising. Wishing to lay aside business care lie sold part of his land, retaining only one hundred and ninety acres and removed to Bunker Hill Township, Macoupin County, where he passed the remainder of his life in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Seven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Sneeringer, five of whom are yet living, Henry P., a farmer of Bunker Hill Township, married Rebecca Davis; William J., who wedded Lizzie Bivens, is also living on the farm of that town- ship; Catherine C. is the wife of Richard Fleming. an agriculturist of Bunker Hill Township; Augusta F. and Edmund E. are at home. Rosalia M. died at the age of eight years and Charles I. died when ten years old. Mr. Sneeringer was a member of the Catholic Church, as was his wife, and in polities he was a Democrat. Whatever success he met with in life, and it was not a little, was due to his own efforts. His industry, good management and perseverance won for him a handsome competence which num- bered him among the substantial citizens of the Community. The confidence and regard of his fellow eitizns he won by an upright life and fail- dealing, and as the result of his sterling worth he gained many friends. VljOSEPH MONTGOMERY, who is now living in retirement at Carlinville, is honored as a pioneer of this county who has contributed his quota to its development, and we take pleasure in representing him in this Biographical Record. He was born February 23, 1815, twelve miles from Wheeling, West Va., near the Pittsburg Road, at the mouth of Turkey Run. in what was then Ohio Count}'. His father who bore the same name as himself, was born two miles from the city of Armagh, Ireland. He was a son of William Mont- gomery, who was born in the same county as him- self and was of Scotch descent. He was reared amid the scenes of his birth, and came from there to America when a young man. He subsequently returned to Ireland, where he resided for a time hut in 1812 he came back to this country and set- tled in what is now West Virginia, where he died at the ripe age of eight} \ ears. The fat her of our subject was reared and married in Ireland, and emigrated to these shores in 1812. He landed at New York and made his way from there to West Virginia by land. He bought a tract of forest covered land on Turkey Run, twelve miles from Wheeling, and settled in the primeval wilder- ness of that region. A few acres of his land hail been cleared and a log house stood thereon, the same in which our subject was born. The father busied himself at the pioneer task of improving a farm ami made it his home until his death. The maiden name of his wife wis Alary Gray. She also died on the home farm, and her remains were bur- ied in the Presbyterian churchyard five miles from Wheeling. The parents of our subject reared six children, two others dying young. Joseph Mont- gomery, of whom these lines are principally writ- ten, attended the pioneer schools in his nati ve Stale, which were taught on the subscription plan, in a rough log house that was heated by a fireplace anil provided witli plain board benches without backs. Our subject lived with his parents until he was nineteen years old when he commenced to learn the trade of a millwright, serving three years at $5.25 a month and his board. After his apprenticeship expired he did journey work a year and then went into the business himself as a contractor. In 1837, shrewdly judging that in a newly settled country he would find men of his calling in demand as the population increased, he resolved to come to Illi- nois. He left home in the month of March with all his earthly possessions tied in a handkerchief, and voyaging on the waters- of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Bridgeport, Greene County, this State, he landed there April 2. with fifty cents in his pocket. He walked six miles to where an acquaintance lived to visit him. While on the boat be. had made a contract with a man then residing near Winchester, Scott County, to erect a sawmill, beginning work- on it in June. In the intervening time he was by no means idle, but erected a mill in Greene County. He worked hard, was frugal in all his expenditures and in the firs I year after his arrival saved $300, 7 10 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. In the fall hr bought a farm near Scottville in this county, for 11,300. paying his haul earned money for a part of it and goiii2 in debt to the extent of $1 ooO for the remainder. At the time of his marriage Mr. Montgomery settled on his farm, but still continued his trade as a millwright for some years. There were two l"L, r houses on his place at the time of purchase, and in one of these he and his Inide commenced house- keeping. In a few years he replaced it by a more commodious frame house, drawing the lumber for it from Alton and Jacksonville. lie lived on his farm until 1873, when he sold it and bought a res- idence on College Avenue which he occupied a few years. Disposing of that place he purchased his present residence which is very pleasantly located in the northwestern part of the city. Mr. Montgomery and Miss Elizabeth Sharp were united in marriage fifty-two years ago. June 9, 1839, is the date of their wedding and they have faithfully shared life's joys and sorrows, showing to the world an example of a true marriage. They have had fourteen children, of whom thirteen grew to maturity and two of them are now living, \\ in- nie and Henry. Henry is an attorney practicing his professional Carrollton. Winnie married William Hicks, and they reside in South Otter Township, two miles from Nilwood. The names of the other children were Barbara, Mary. Ann K., Lncinda. Isa- belle. Emma, Lizzie, John W.. Lucina, Ellen, Jenny and Willie. Mrs. Montgomery was born October 23, 1820, in Claiborne County. Tenn.,and is a daughter of Will- iam and Barbara (Hunter) Sharp. Her father was also a native of Claiborne County, and he was a son of John Sharp, who is likewise supposed to have been a native of Tennessee. He in turn was a son of George Sharp, who was one of the first settlers of Tennessee, where he carried on farming and cleared a farm from the wilds of Claiborne County, spend- ing the rest of his life there. Mrs. Montgomery's grandfather came from Tennessee to Illinois in 1835, and settled in Scottville Township, becom- ing a pioneer of this county. He bought a tract of partly improved land and resided on it until he closed his eyes in death. Mrs. Montgomery's father was reared in his native county. He learned the trade of a blacksmith in his youth and followed it in connection with farm ing. He remained in Tennessee until 1836, and on the 1st of October, that year, he started for Illinois, accompanied by his wife and nine children and by his brother-in-law and family, traveling with a pair of oxen attached to a wagon, and live horses to another wagon, taking along all their household goods. The little party arrived at its destination the second week in November. Mr. Sharp bought a tract, of partly improved land near Scottville and resided there some years. He then bought a farm in Christian County, to which he removed and lived on it for a time. His next move was to La- mars. Mo., where he dwelt a few years but subse- quently came back to Illinois and made his home with his son in Christian County, until his death. His wife died in 1839. Mis. Montgomery was sixteen years old when the family came to Illinois. She was carefully trained in all things that go to make a good house- wife and early learned to spin and weave, so that after she married she made all the cloth used in the family and clothed her children in garments of which the material was made by her own hand. She and her husband are exemplary members of the: Baptist Church, and their unblemished characters. frank, hospitable natures and straightforward, hon- orable conduct in all things have won them a high place among our most respected citizens. -3===sJ "77 BRAM ISAACS, one of the well-to-do farmers of Dorchester Township, residing on section 1, has been identified with the history of this community for half a cen- tury. The record of his life is an interesting one; it is the record of perseverance, of industry and of final success. Through a long life, some of it in shadow and some in sunshine, he has retained his belief in human nature and his simple goodness of character. For this reason and also because he is so widely known, be is deserving of representation in this volume. Mr. Isaacs was born in North Carolina, Novem- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 741 ber 10, 1810, and is of English descent. His father, Richard Isaacs, was born near Washington, D. C, and when a young man went to North Car- olina, where lie became acquainted with and wedded Miss Mary Stonestreet, a native of M, > \ - land, and a daughter of Butler Stonestreet, who served throughout the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Isaacs died at the birth of her sixth child, at which time our subject was three years old. Abraham Isaacs had a twin sister who died at birth. After the death of his mother li is father was a second time married and he went to live with his maternal grandparents who took him to Kentucky. There he grew to manhood, being reared as a practical farmer boy. In Jefferson County, Ivy., Mr. Isaacs was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary Eaton, a native of Mississippi, born on the 23d of Jul)', 1815, in Adams County. Her parents, Thomas and Sarah (King) Eaton, were natives of Maryland, the lady having been born in the Span- ish possessions, of parents who had emigrated from the New Jersey Colony southward prior to the Revolutionary War. They were married in Mis sissippi and four years later removed to Jefferson County, Ky., where they made then- home until 1K3G, when the family all came to Illinois, our subject and his wife being of the party. Mr. and Mrs. Isaacs made a settlement upon land which Mr. Eaton had obtained from the Gov- ernment in Madison County. That gentleman and li is wife spent their last days in Madison County, Mrs. Eaton departing this life in Edwardsville, in 1836, at the age of forty-eight years, while Mr. Eaton died in 1849. at, the age of" sixty-nine years. His father, Henry Eaton, was a native of Wales, who left the mother country when young, and in America was reared to manhood. He married .Miss Violet Wallace, a native of the Emerald Isle, served throughout the Revolutionary War as a member of the Colonial Army and soon after the cessation of hostilities both he and his wife were called to their linal rest. We see that Mrs. Isaacs was descended from ex- cellent ancestors. She remained under the parental roof until her marriage and then the young couple starlet! out in life for themselves, determined to work their waj upward and win for themselves a comfortable home, if not wealth. They became pa- rents of ten children of whom three died in in- fancy, while Sarah, the wife of Alex Sinclair, died leaving one daughter; Richard, who married Lucy J. Burton, is engaged in farming in Dorchester Township; Charles C. who wedded Clara Ogden, of Philadelphia, owns and operates a farm in Dor- chester Township; Thomas W. wedded Harriet Snedeker, who died leaving one son, and after her death married Ahnira Robb. He is engaged in agricultural pursuits in New Douglas, Madison County; Henry K.. also a farmer of Madison County, was joined in wedlock with Miss Susan 11. Ilayden; Abraham married Nancy Emit and oper- ates the old homestead; Amanda C. is the wife of Reed Ayres, a successful farmer of Madison County. After a four years' residence in Madison County Abraham Isaacs and his excellent, wife came to this county and settled upon land which now forms a part of their home. A half century has since passed, during which time the wild and unim- proved tract which he purchased has been trans- formed into fertile fields and the boundaries of his farm have been extended until it comprises three hundred and twenty acres which pay a golden tribute to his care and cultivation. By their united efforts they acquired a handsome property which numbered them among the prosperous citizens of the community. Their home is one of the substan- tial and comfortable dwellings of the community and is the abode of hospitality. In the rear are all the buildings and improvements necessary to a model farm ami these in turn are surrounded by well-tilled fields. In politics Mr. Isaacs is a stal- wart Republican, having supported thai party since 1856, when the first Presidential candidate was nominated. For the long period of fifty-live years, Mr. and Mrs. Isaacs traveled life's journey together as man ami wife and as the years went by their mu- tual love and confidence increased. 'Together they worked in the Methodist Chinch, with which they united in early life, and their efforts at doing good won the love and gratitude of many. The devoted wife and mother passed from earth May 9, 1891, 742 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. mourned by the bereaved husband and children and a large circle of friends. Prior to her demise Mr. and Mrs. Isaacs were known as the oldest couple living in this locality, and had been longer married than I ny others. THEODORE II. KOCH, one of the wide- f (T^W awakc an( * enterprising young business men of Mt. Olive, who holds the position of Postmaster, and is Cashier of the C. J. Reiser '(. N ENRY CLARK, an industrious and inlelli- jj! gent farmer residing on section 27, Slaun- ■Sj£' ton Township, was born in this township, '(0 1 January 7, 1855, and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the county. His father, William Clark, was a native of the Emerald Isle and came of a good Irish family. Ilis parents, who were honest, worthy and respected people and members of the Presbyterian Church, spent their entire lives in the county of his nativity. William grew to manhood upon the farm, became a freeholder, and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Ireland until he came to America. Eliza Little, who became the wife of William Clark, was born and reared in the same neighbor- hood as her husband and belonged to a family ■who embraced the Protestant faith. Her father died when she was a small child, after which the widowed mother cared for her four daughters, devoting her- self exclusively to their interests. William Clark and his wife came to the United Slates with their three children in 1842, jailing from Belfast on the "John Bull", which landed him and his family in New York after a voyage of six weeks and three days. The autumn of that year found them estab- lished in a home in Pittsburg, but. soon after they came to Illinois, locating in Staunton Township, Macoupin County, where Mr. Clark entered eighty acres of land from the Government and began developing a farm, after building a log house. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improve- ment made, but Mr. Clark soon had a large tract under cultivation and the crops which were gar- nered proved ample for the maintenance of the family. Some eighteen years later he sold to a good advantage and then made the purchase of one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, of the same township. An additional tract of eighty acres was afterward added on the west and ihe entire farm of two hundred and forty acres was improved with good buildings and other evidences of the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Mr. Clark was a hard- working and energetic man, fair in all his dealings, and to his business interests he devoted his entire attention, caring nothing for public honors or polit- ical offices. He supported the Republican party by his ballot, and in religious belief was a Presby- terian. His widow, who yet survives her husband, finds a pleasant home with our subject. She is now seventy-five years of age. A member of the Pres- byterian Church, she has led a consistent life and for her many excellencies of character and her great kindness is beloved by all. We now take up the personal history of Henry Clark, whose entire life has been passed on the old homestead farm. Midst play and work his boy- hood days were passed, and when he attained to mature years he was joined in wedlock with Miss Louisa E. Powers. This estimable lady was born in Staunton Township, July 10, 1854, and is a daughter of Daniel and Lucy (Cormack) Powers. Her parents were natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, and they were married in Illinois where they have lived since childhood. Their domestic life was begun upon a farm in Staunton Township, where they made their home until called to their final rest. Mrs. Clark was left an orphan during childhood. By marriage she has become the mother of four children, one son and three daughters: Grace, now deceased; Samuel I)., Mary E. and Martha A., twins. On the death of his father, January 17, 1878, Mr. Clark came into RES. OF SAMUEL WOOD, SEC. 35., B U N KER HILL TR, MACOUPIN CO.,1 LLS. — ■ ' ■ ' ■ RES. OF HENRY CLARK. SEC. 8.7, ) STAUNTON T R. , M A C O U P I N CO.., I LLS. UNIV*"' PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 747 possession of the olfl homestead under whose shel- tering roof his ehildhi od days were passed, and a view of which is presented on another page. In addition to Ihe one hundred and twenty acres of arable land which he onus he has forty acres of timber land. Industrious and energetic, he is meet- ing with excellent success in his undertakings and is regarded as one of the progressive and public* spirited citizens of the community. tfP^\ AMl'EL WOOD, who resides on section ^^£ 35, Bunker Hill Township, is numbered xdOw anlon o t' le honored pioneers of the county, and since 1832 has resided upon his pres- ent farm of three hundred and twenty acres, hav- ing entered the land from the Government on July 1 of that year. He still has in his possession a deed signed by President Jackson. He has wit- nessed almost the entire growth and development of the county since the days when its lands were all wild and unimproved, settlements few and far between, and the work of civilization and progress seemed scarcely begun. Mr. Wood came to this county with a double yoke of oxen, and was thirty -four days upon the road, traveling from Kentucky to Bunker Hill. He was born in Cumberland County, Ky., Decem- ber 2.5, 1804, and is descended from one of the old Virginian families, which was founded in Araer- in 1755 by Samuel Wood, who was a line scholar and became (Jen. Washington's Secretary. He served during the Revolution as a member of the Virginia Blues, and also participated in the battle where the French and Indian army defeated Brad- dock. The great-grandmother of our subject, whose maiden name was Sarah Bean, was the daughter of a prominent Englishman, of London, who owned large possessions there, including the London Bridge across the Thames River. Miss Sarah, when a child, was kidnapped and carried away to America, where she was sold as a nurse to a tobacco planter near Jamestown. There she grew to womanhood and gave her hand in marriage to an American, who took up arms against the mother country. When the war was over she returned to England to claim the estate of her father who had died, but, though she established a just claim to the heirship, King George confiscated the property on account of her husband having been an American soldier. The father of our subject, James Wood, fought in the War of 1812, under tJen. Harrison, and after his discharge his brother, Maj. William Wood, fought under Gen. Richard M. Johnson, and took part in the battle of Tippecanoe, where Tecumseh was defeated. For a fuller account of the parents of our subject see the sketch of James E. Wood on another page of this work. Samuel Wood grew to manhood in the State of his nativity, and no event of special importance occurred in his childhood's career. In Cumber- land County he married Keziah Dougherty, who was born in Tennessee, of Scotch-Irish parentage, but grew to womanhood in Kentucky. Twelve children grace their union, six of whom were born in Kentucky, and six in Illinois. Hiram D., who served as a soldier in the Mexican War, married Lydia Lukin, and is engaged in merchandising in Dundee, Delaware County, Iowa; Rosa is the wife of^'lV. C'.tSmith, who was a Mexican soldier and was wouiHk^r|4»ithe battle of Buer.a Vista, and is now Judge of the Police Court of Hot Springs, Ark ; Sarah J. is the widow of William R. Wood, and is living at the home of her father, for whom she cares in his old age. She has two daughters, Mrs. John Russell and Mrs. G. A. Manley, of St. Louis, Mo.; Althca is the wife of William Patrick, a mechanical engineer of Staunton; Jasper N. is a photographer, artist and minister of the Christian Church of Hot Springs. Ark., who married Eliza- beth Cooper; Dr. B. K., who wedded Fannie Choate, is now engaged in merchandising in Ver- non, Tex.; John died at the age of twenty-seven years; Silvers and Oliver were both married, and at their deaths left families; Thomas. Clay bo; n and Susanna died in infancy. Mrs. Wood, the mother of this family, was born on the 1st of February, 1805, and died in 1882. She was a noble woman, and one of the leading members of the Christian Church. In her death the family lost a loving and tender wife and mother, her neighbors a faith- ful friend, and the church one of its active workers. 748 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. For over forty years Mr. Wood has been a faith- ful and consistent member of the Christian Chinch. He delights in doing good, is charitable and bene- volent, and is known thoughout the community for his many excellent works. lie east his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson at his first elec- tion, and has since that time been a stalwart Demo- crat. Farming he has made his life work, and from the wild prairie he developed rich a. id fertile fields which have yielded to him an excellent in- come, making him one of the substantial citizens of the community. He began life in the West in true pioneer style, his home being a log cabin, his farming implements of the crudest character, while oxen were used at the plow, but he has kept pace with the improvements of the age, and is now the owner of one of the best farms in the community. His cabin home was replaced in 1870 by a large brick residence, a view of which appears on another page, and which is one of the finest dwellings in the comity. On March 8, 1871, his home was vis- ited by a tornado, which demolished his fine barn and unroofed his new house, altogether entailing a loss of nearly $3,000. Nothwitustanding this a.nd other misfortunes in his career, he has persevered in a course of honor and uprightness, and success has crowned his efforts. ^# -»-*>- \TSAAC S. SNEDEKER. a well-known citizen I and successful farmer who owns and operates /!! one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 23, Hilyard Township, was born near Trenton, N. J., on April lit, 1834, and is descended from Holland ancestry, who during Colonial days crossed the Atlantic and settled in America. The family was first established on Long Island, but James Snedeker, the great-grandfather of our subject, re- moved to New Jersey, where he began life as a farmer. He served in the Colonial Army through- out the Revolutionary War, fought at the battle of Monmouth, N. J., and afterward remained in that State until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy years in New Brunswick, at what is known as Long Branch. His son, Isaac Snedeker, was there born and reared to the occupation of farming. He married Miss Catherine Moore, and they spent the greater part of their lives in the vicinity of Tren- ton, N. J., where the wife died in 1832, when about seventy years of age. Isaac Snedeker afterward removed to. Monroe County, N. Y., and spent bis last days near Rochester, where he died at the age of four-score years. I nto Isaac Snedeker and his wife were born eleven children, one of whom Jacob, became the father of our subject. lie was born March 23, 1806, and is the only one now living. In the asual manner of farmer lads his boyhood days were spent, his education being acquired in the com- mon schools while his business training was re- ceived as a clerk. He was married in the city of Trenton to Ellen .lav, who was born October 2, I si :i, and is a daughter of William and Hannah (Vandervere) Jay, natives of New Jersey, where they were reared and married and spent their entire lives. The father died in middle life, after which the widow was again married. Joseph Jay, the maternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Scotland, who emigrated to this country and fought throughout the war for independence. He lived and died near Trenton, N. J. Jacob M. Snedeker and his wife bade good-by to their home in that locality after the birth of their first child and removed to Monroe County, N. Y., in May, 1834, settling on a farm near Rochester, where they spent about five years. In 1831), they be- came residents of Champaign County, Ohio, and the autumn of 1850 witnessed their arrival in Illinois. They traveled overland by team and at length made a settlement in Jersey County, where Mr. Snedeker rented land for one year. At the expiration of that time they came to Macoupin Count}' and purchased land in Hilyard Township, which the father transformed from the raw prairie into rich and fertile fields constituting one of the best farms in the community. He also made many excellent improvementsand erected a pleasant home where he is spending his last days. Mrs. Snedeker suffered a stroke of paralysis February 24, 1889, and was an invalid until her death, which occurred March 21. 1891. Mr. Snedeker, however, still re- tains both his mental and physical faculties to a PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 749 remarkable degree. Never but once in all his life Las lie had to call a doctor tin- himself and thai has been within the past two years. In early life lie was an old-line Whig and is now a stanch Republi- can. Numbered among the honored citizens of the community he and his wife have been held in high regard and their names well deserve tube recorded upon the annals of their county's history. Isaac Snedeker was a lad of seventeen years when the family located in this county. He had begun his school life in Ohio, whence he removed in the fall of 1850, to Jersey County, III., where he spent one year. Since 1851, he has resided In this county and during all the years which have since come and gone his home has been upon the farm which he yet owns. It was purchased by his father when it was a tract of wild prairie, entirely destitute of improvements. He tinned the first furrow upon many an acre .'.ml aided in the development and cultivation of the land which now yields to him a good income. He was married in Bunker Hill Township, February 16, 1851), the lady of his choice being Miss Martha Ellen Frost, who was born June J. 18."i,'), in Vermont, of which Stale her parents, "William and Caroline (Rich) Frost, were also natives. With their family they emigrated Westward in 1844. and after a short time spent in Jersey County, III., came to Woodburn, Macoupin County, where the wife and mother departed this life at the age of thirty-seven years. Mr. Frost has been a second time married and now lives on a farm near Woodburn. Under the parental roof Mrs. Snedeker remained until her marriage and the training whicn she re- ceived combined with the natural excellencies of her character has made her a cultured woman who has proved a true helpmate to her husband. Their home has been blessed by the presence of four chil- dren, but only two are now living — Caroline I. and Alma. The latter is the wife of Harry Colter who resides mi a farm in Ililyard Township. Ida A. died in childhood ; and Theodore died three days before he had attained to the age of twenty-one years. Mi'. Snedeker is a practical and progressive farmer who successfully operates his quarter sec- tion of land and has thereby acquired a compe- tence. He takes a commendable interest in all that pertains ; o the upbuilding and welfare of the county and always willingly gives Ii is support to those enterprises which are calculated to promote the general welfare. Those who have known him from his youth up and are familiar with his upright life are numbered among his stanchest friends and in speaking of him they use only words of com- mendation and praise. kEXANDER II. BELL of Carlinville. is known and honored as a law3 , er who has risen to eminence among the members of @)J the bar of this county through personal merit and devotion to his profession. He is a na- tive-born citizen of this Stale; Troy, Madison County, his birthplace, and October 29, 1853, the date of his birth. He is the son of Thomas II. Bell, who was born at Cambridge, Dorchester County, Md., where also his father is thought to have been born and passed his life. The latter, Robert Bell, was a merchant and planter, his plantation being worked by slaves. Thomas H. Bell was reared and educated in his native county, and early in life he learned the trade of a coachmaker. which he followed in Maryland until 1851 , when he came to Illinois. Ever since that time he has made his home in Troy, Madison County, except a period of five j ears in which he lived in Jersey ville, III. He has carried on the business of manufacturing carriages and wagons until the present time. 1 1 is wife, whose maiden name was Julia Hubbard, was also born near Cam- bridge. Md. They reared two children — Alexan- der, II.. of this sketch, and Angie, who married Truman K. Gore, of Carlinville. In the public schools of Troy and Jerseyville our subject gained the preliminaries of a good ed- ucation. In 1K70 he entered Blackburn University, attending until the fall of 1873, when he left for a time to teach school, being thus engaged in Greene County the ensuing winter of 1873-74, and the following summer he worked on a farm. In the fall he returned to his studies at Blackburn and was graduated in tic Class of '7.">. Immediately 750 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. after leaving the university he commenced the study of law with Hon. Charles A. Walker, and the next winter again gave his attention to the teach- er's profession, filling the position of Principal of the Medora schools. In the spring of 1876 he re- sumed his legal studies with Mr. Walker and in June, 1877, was admitted to the liar. In Septem- ber, of the same year he formed a partnership with W. E. P. Anderson, which connection has continued since that time. In December, 1877, Mr. Bell and Miss Flora (i. Mounts were united in marriage, and of their wed- ded life two children have been born, who are named Bessie and Robert H. Mrs. Bell is a native of Carlinville, and a daughter of Leander and Elizabeth (Davis) Mounts. For her parental his- tory see sketch of William L. Mounts. Mr. Bell's fellow-citizens have called him to posi- tions in the line of his profession. In 1878 be was chosen City Attorney. In 188(1 he was elected State's Attorney for Macoupin County. Socially he is a prominent member of the Masonic order in this section of the country, 'icing identified with the Mt. Nebo Lodge No. 76, and with Macoupin Chapter, No. 187, R. A. M.. in which lie has filled various offices. He is at present District Deputy Grand Master of the Twenty-second Masonic dis trict, including Macoupin, Jersey, Greene and Cal- houn Counties. Politically he is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Samuel J. Tilden for Presi- dent in 1876. «\ WILLIAM A. SHRIVEH, M. D. The pro- \rJ// fessional men in any community are pre- yyy sumably leaders in thought and action, especially in regard to the development of the in- tellectual, industrial and financial affairs of the dis- trict in which they live. A physician who has established a large and influential practice, has the entrance into hundreds of homes and the regard of many citizens who naturally look to him for ad- vice, not only in his own line but also in regard to matters in general. The gentleman of whom we write has established a practice and has made friends who would gladly accord him such a posi- tion as we have described. Dr. Shriver was born in the village of Sugar Tree Ridge, Highland County, Ohio, April 30, 1844. His father, George A. Shriver, was a native of Clermont County, Ohio, and was the son of Peter Shriver a Pennsylvania!!, who emigrated at a very early day from his native State to Clermont County. He devoted himself to agricultural pur- suits through life and spent his last years in High- land County. The father of our subject was also reared as a farmer, and chose that as his life work until he learned the trade of a cabinet-maker which he fol- lowed for many years. Soon after his marriage he established his home in Highland County, Ohio, and resided near Sugar Tree Ridge until 1851, when he came to Illinois and made his home near Bockfoid. This journey was made by team, bring- ing with him his family anil household goods. Rockford, which is now so beautiful and flourish- ing a city, was then a small place, without railroad facilities. He removed from thereto Pike County in 1851 and bought land near Piltsfieid, at which time he returned to the vocation of a farmer. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary A. Hensley. She was a daughter of Joseph Hensley and her native home was High- land County, Ohio. She became the mother of four sons and live daughters. Our subject was seven years old when he removed to Illinois with his parents. The district school furnished his ele- mentary education which he so thoroughly im- proved as to be able to begin teaching at the age of fifteen. The young man in improving his opportunities for education had in mind the attainment of a pro- fessional training and after he had taught for three years began the study of medicine with Dr. Pitzer, now of St. Louis. He also attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, and took a diploma from that college. It was in the spring of 1866 when he began to practice his profession in Virden and he has made this his home up to the present time. His skill has been con- stantly augmented by the experience which has come to him, and he has gained in reputation ever PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 751 since be began practice in this place. He has also made judicious investments, rind more wisely than many physicians has so managed his business as to gain a comfortable competence. IK 1 is respected among business men as a financier and his opinion is eagerly sought upon questions which concern the welfare not only of friends but of the community. The marriage of 1).'. Shriver and Miss Carrie E. Howland. at Harry, Pike County. 111., in 1865, has resulted in a union of unusual felicity and useful- ness. Five children are the result of this union, the two eldest. Carrie and Frank, are deceased. Three remain to brighten the home of the Doctor: Edith, Estelle, and Earl. The Doctor is a warm friend of education and takes great interest in the schools of the city and at present is serving as President of the Board of Education of the city of Virden and is giving his children all the ad- vantages offered in the schools of the city prepara- tory to entering a higher grade. The Doctor and his wife are united in their religious life, being both earnest and active members of the .Methodist Episcopal Chu'ch. ...^..."..jj.... . j,. ■3V « r -C? v ^ ENRY PALL, an extensive and successful « farmer and stock-raiser of Girard Town- ship, was born in Breconshire, South Wales, (£) September 25, 1844. His father Richard Ball, was born on the Yatt farm, near Old Radnor, Radnorshire. Wales. His father, William, was born in Herefordshire, England. The grandfather was for many years a farmer, but in his later years opened :i limestone quarry, and engaged in burning lime in Radnorshire, Wales, lime being extensively used as a fertilizer in Wales. The father of our subject was reared in his native land and becoming a veterinary surgeon, practiced in Breconshire and adjoining counties. In the summer of 1 Hoo Richard Ball, Sr., decided to emigrate to the New World, and having his family at the old home came to America and loca- ted at Virden, becoming an early settler there. After deciding upon a location he sent back for his family, and in the fall his wife and ten of her fourteen children sailed from Liverpool in the g 1 ship •Aurora." and landed safely in New York December 8, after a voyage of nearly seven weeks. They came directly to Virden and he bough* a home in that village and engaged in bus- i m — as a butcher, in which line he continued until his death in August, 1856. He was a strong ad- herent to the Episcopal faith having all his chil- dren baptized in infancy in the Episcopal Church. His wife bore the maiden name of Maria Evans, her father being Thomas Evans, a farmer of Rad- norshire. Wales, and her mother, Mary Ball Evans. she still resides with her son, and although she has reached the advanced age of eighty -seven years, is interested in current events and especially church work, being a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fourteen children came to bless the home of Rich aril Ball. Si'., all of whom were carefully reared by their devoted mother, who added to her flock two Others who were orphans. She lived to see all but one of her children grow to maturity and estab- lish homes of their own, living in comfortable cir- cumstances and in houses which 'hey had built for themselves. They are by name: Frederick, Ara- bella, William E., Thomas. Richard .Jr., Maria. Mary. Fiances. Ann, John, .lames. Henry, George, and Agnes E. Maria died in Wales at the age of eighteen years. Ann ma'ried Calvin Tunnel) and .lied in Montgomery County. III.; .Tames died in Virden at the age of twelve years; William, the sec 1 son. was a resident of London, England, about forty years, and died there February 27. 1891, and Frederick lives in Missouri, but all the other children have made their home in Illinois. William Pugh and John Dowdy are the names of the orphans whom she reared with her own family. William Pugh was a nephew of Richard Ball. Sr., and was a twin brother of James, who died in Vir- den. The subject of this sketch was a hoy of eleven years old when he came to America with his parents and therefore remembers well his native land, and the incident connected with their removal thither. He was reared to habits of imlustiy. and has been very successful in his farming operations. For PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. several years he was connected in liis work with his brothers, but since 1877 has fanned alone. He now owns one of the best farms in Macoupin County, which is well tilled and supplied with necessary buildings which are of an excellent grade. Short-horn cattle are his favorite breed, although he devotes himself largely to English draft and Morgan horses. He is a member of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company and of Grange No. 485. ►i^HNM OL. SARGEANT M< KNIGHT, a distin- guished citizen of Girard, and formerly one v^g^' of its leading business men, won a high reputation for his ability, unflinching courage and devotion to the cause of his country as an officer in the Union Army during the late war, in "Ibose times that tried men's souls." and tested their pa- triotism, their manhood, and the value of their citi- zenship, lie is well-known in the public life of this county and State, as he has held several prom- inent military and civic positions, and is one of the leading members of the Grand Army of the Republic, at present serving on the staff of its Com- mander-in Chief, Gen. W. G. Veazey. The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Macoupin County, 111., January 6, 1844. His parents were natives of Virginia, and emigrated to Illinois about the year 1830, becoming early set- tlers of Greenfield, Greene County. They subse- quently became pioneers of this count}', locating first at Scottville, whence they came to Girard in 1859. His mother died in April, 1864, at the age of sixty-four years; his father died in April, 1868, at the age of seventy-two years. Col. McKnight is the youngest of a family of ten children, seven of whom are now living. He was educated in the public schools of his native county, and at tbe age of seventeen years he entered a dry-goods store at Girard as a clerk. He held that position until August, 1862, when, though but eighteen years of age, he threw aside all personal interests to serve his country, enlisting as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty -two Illi nois Infantry, commanded by Col. John I. Rinaker. The regiment was organized at Camp Palmer. Car- linville, and private McKnight was elected First Sergeant of his company, thus entering upon that military career that reflected honor upon himself, his friends, and the soldiery of his native State. The regiment was soon after ordered to the front and remained in active service until the close of the war. Our subject participated in every engagement in which his regiment took part. December 31, 1.H62, he was promoted and commissioned Second Lieu- tenant of his company, vice Lieutenant Briston, killed in battle at Parker's Cross Roads, in Tennes- see. During the lat er part of 1863 he served a short time as Aide-de Camp on the Staff of Col. Mersey, of the Ninth Illinois Infantry, command- ing a brigade in Gen. Dodge's Division. Sixteenth Army Corps, but was relieved at his own request, and in January. 1864, rejoined his regiment at Pad u call, Ky. Soon after his arrival at that place the Colonel was detailed as Assistant Inspector General on the staff of Col. S. >re the given name of Klkanah. His father in turn was Daniel Trout, a native i\ weeks, and then came to Carlinville, arriving here on the very last day of 700 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tlic year. Mr. Burgdorff soon purchased a lot and erected a dwelling here, and opening a grocery store, continued that business here some years. After that lie retired from active business, and May 31, 1883, departed this life. The maiden name of his wife, who is still a resident of Carlin- ville, was Johanna Crainm. She was born in the same German town that was the birthplace of her husband, and is the daughter of Henry Cranim. She is the mother of six children, namely: — William P., Jacobina, Lena, Charles 11., Minnie and Bertha, the latter of whom was born in Car- linville. William F. Burgdorff commenced to attend school when he was six years old, and went quite regularly until he came to America, lie then at- tended the public school here, also the German school, and advanced his education by attendance at Blackburn University. In the summer season he was employed in the duties of the farm. For six months he worked at cigar-making when he first started out in life on his own account, and in 1861 entered upon his mercantile career as a clerk in a general store for Boyce & McNeill. II'' was thus employed for various linns until 1867, when he began business for himself, opening a clothing and gentlemen's furnishing store, which he has conducted successfully ever since. On the let of January, 1877, his brother Charles H. became a partner, and this connection still continues So well have they managed their business it has stead- ily increased in size, and March 30, 1889, they opened a branch store at Greenfield, III., which has been a success. October 22, 1808, Mr. Burgdorff was united in marriage with Miss Lina Lieber. Mrs. Burgdorff was born February 18, 1847, at Hersfeld, Hessc- Cassel, Germany, a daughter of Dr. Alexander Lieber, a native of Amsterdam, Holland, his birth taking place January 19, 1818. His father, Fred- erick Lieber, was born at Regensburg, Germany, May 1, 1789, a son of Nicholas Lieber, also born at Regensburg, the year of his birth being 1759. The father of the latter, great great-grand father of Mrs. Burgdorff, was Joseph Anton Lieber. He was a teacher of music, and also a Government employe in its service, his entire life being passed in his native land. His son Nicholas held a position in the king's palace, called in German "llofiath," and was also a member of the Reichstag at Regensburg. His death took place in 1839. Frederick Lieber was a violinist at a theatre at Munich, and later tenor in a theatre at Mannheim, Amsterdam and Casell. He was at length appointed Hofsinger to the wife of the Duke of llesse-Cassel. He died in 1867 full of years and honors. The father of Mrs. Burgdorff received a univer- sity education, and was a Doctor of Philosophy at the High School at llesse-Cassel, also Professor of Mathematics and Natural History. His death in 18(37 at Hesse-Cassel deprived it of a citizen who stood high among tin educators of that part of Germany. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Amanda Ranch. She was born at Nieder- rodenbach, Germany, May 17, 1819. and died March (i, 1854. She was a daughter of Metropoli- tan Henry Ranch, a minister in the Lutheran Church, and holding a position much the same as that of presiding elder in this country, lie spent his whole life in the German Fatherland. Mrs. Burgdorff and her sisters, Cornelie and Mary, set sail for this country July 9. 1864, on the steamer '"Borussia," landed at New York, and thence came directly to their aunt in Carlinville. The following is the record of the birth of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Burgdorff: llatlie C. was born July 17. 1809; Amanda J., December 13. 1870; Alexander Charles, January 28, 1873; and Flora II. , June 3, lK7f>. Both our subject and his estimable wife were reared in the Lutheran Church, and to its tenets are faithful adherents. Mr. Burgdorff is prominently connected with various enterprises that have advanced the growth of the business interests of this city of his adop- tion, and he has also borne a conspicuous part in the administration of its public affairs. When the Carlinville National Bank was organized in May, 1890, he was elected its President, and his capacity for financial matters and clear judgment have un- doubtedly been of great service in establishing it on a firm foundation. He has also served as Presi- dent of the Carlinville Building and Loan Associa- tion. He has been elected to various offices of trust, and has attended to the duties thus thrust PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 761 upon him with the same close attention and effi- ciency that characterizes his management of his private business. He was a member <>f the Board of Education eight years, and for one year was its President. He was al one time Mayor of the city, and he has also served it as a member of the Citj Council. Socially, Mr. Burgdorff is a member of Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 70, A. F. & A. M. Politi- cally, lie is one of the leading Republicans of this section, and has been a delegate to various State and county conventions. *C i — J RANK M. SOLOMON, a retired farmer re- |— (. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 707 ing citizens of the community in which he made home. David D. Smalley spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads and when the War of 1 s 1 2 broke out offered his services to his country. He was made Captain and commanded his company during a number of important en- gagements, deserved as Justice of the Peace for many years. He wedded -Miss Mary Blackford, daughter of John Blackford, a prominent citi- zen of New Jersey, who in the latter part of his 1 ife became one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio, where he owned large landed estates. David I). Smalley died at the age of forty-six years, and his wife spent her last days on the old Smalley home- stead, which her husband had fallen heir to at his father's death. On leaving the Kast, Mr. Knapp emigrated to Illinois, settling in Logan County, in 1856. He there followed farming and was very successful in his operations, but at length his health failed and in May, 1869, he came to Hunker Hill, where he lived a retired Ufa. However, he still retained possession <>f a well-improved and valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Logan County. The competence which he had acquired enabled him to spend his last years in peace and quiet and to leave to his wife a good property which amply supplies her wants and surrounds her with mam- comforts. His intelligence and ability fitted Mr. Knapp to be a leader and he soon won a promin- ent place among his fellow-townsmen of Hun- ker Hill. He was one of the stanchest ad- vocates of the tempi ranee cause and upon the tem- perance ticket was elected Alderman of this city. His public and private life were alike above re- proach and he won and retained the confidence, good will and high esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. His character is best expressed in the words of his loving wife who hon- ored his memory with the following tribute. •'His life was pure and gentle At peace with all mankind. In God alone he trusted And was to his will resigned. So patient and so peaceful. .Inst at the close of day. Without a pain or struggle, His spirit passed away." Mrs. Knapp still survives her husband and is now seventy-three years old but she hears her age lightly. She still takes an active part in religious work anil is a member of the Congregational Church. Out of the kindness of her hear) she has cared for and given a home to two motherless children — Nancy Van Tassel, now the widow of John W. Boyd and a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y.; and Adella, who is yet attending school. Mis. Knapp is well known throughout this community and is beloved by all. Her life has been well and worthily spent, is full of good deeds and in look- ing back over the past she need feel no regret for opportunities wasted. «**-* RS. LUCINDA H. CORP. M. I)., wife of A. C. Corr. M. I)., with whom she is in partnership, occupies a distinguished posi- tion among the members of her profession in this State, and as a specialist in the treatment of diseases of women and girls she has won a wide reputation for her skill and success, she is also known as the author of works and papers that arc a valuable contribution to the medical literature of the county. As a prominent physician, influential author and estimable lady, we are pleased to present her portrait and biography to our lead- ers. Dr. Corr is a native of Cnrlin ville, born March '.i. 1844, and is a daughter of Oliver YV. and De- borah Hall, who are represented on another page of this volume. She early showed herself to lie a bright and apt scholar, and at the age of seventeen had gained an education in the public schools that lilted her to teach. She began her career as a teacher at Honey Point, afterward teaching in the City schools of Carlinville and other places. She was assistant teacher in this city when there were lint three schools here, with a principal for each school. She became a teacher in what was called Central Seminary. The building has since been burned, and the present commodious brick struct- ure occupies its place. April 20, 18(i5, Dr. Corr was married to A. C. Corr, who was then a medical student, and is now 7(58 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. a prominent physician of this county. She taught one year after marriage. In 1869 she commenced the study of medicine with her husband, who was then practicing at Chesterfield. As a further preparation for the profession, she entered the Women's Medical College, at Chicago, from which she was graduated in 1874, as valedictorian of net- class, and to her belongs the distinction of being the only woman of Macoupin County to this date who has graduated from a regular medical col- lege. In September of the same year she opened an office in her native city, and was joined by her husband in March, 1875, following. The Doctor continued in general practice until 1878. when the demand for her services in special lines required her to relinquish an extensive practice to give her entire attention to the dis- eases of women and girls, and at that lime she opened her home to receive invalids. She fur- ther prepared herself for her work at Bellcvue Hospital and at the DeMilt Dispensary at New York City, and lias met with success in the many difficult cases that have come under her care. She is the only physician in the county that has operated successfully for vesicle calculus, vesico- vaginal fistula, trachelorrhaphy and perinae-orrha- phy- Our subject is a valued member of the Society of Macoupin County for Medical Improvement, the Illinois State Medical Society, and the National Medical Association; she was a delegate from the State Medical Society to the National Med- ical Association at Washington, in 1884. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is identified with the Illinois Woman's Christ- ian Temperance Union as one of its most intelli- gent and active workers. She was Superintendent of the Health Department three years. Dr. Corr is a member of the Queen Isabella Association, and of its Medical Department. The Doctor's writings on medical subjects have brought her into prominence. She is the author of a work entitled "Hygiene and Heredity, with Anatomy and Physiology in Outline Lessons for Blackboard In- struction," and of a volume on obstetrics that is used as a text book in the college from which she was graduated, and is highly recommended for that purpose by her Alma Mater. She has pre- sented several papers at the meetings of the Illi- nois State Medical Society, that have attracted favorable notice for their scientific and literary merit. In attaining her present high professional stand- ing. Dr. Corr had man}' obstacles to contend against, that would have discouraged and embit- tered a woman of less lirm character and heroic mold. The chief of these was the prejudice against a woman entering the professions, particu- larly that of medicine, as it was thought especially unfit fur a lady, and none in this section of the State had ever before thought of defying public opinion on that point by preparing themselves for its arduous duties. Her success has vindi- cated her light to choose her own walk in life, and lias done much to modify the sentiment that a woman is unsexed or less womanly because she enters a Held of labor that in times past was con- sidered man's exclusive dominion, if she attempted to practice the healing art in any other capacity than that of nurse, or of wife, mother or sister in the privacy of home. The value of girls is en- hanced in proportion as other women will have succeeded, beyond question, in making a living, establishing a reputation and achieving eminence in avocations professional or business, hitherto de- nied them by the prejudices of society or custom. To do this for women and girls has been the actua- ting spirit of the the subject of this sketch. We are pleased to be able to append to the above the following admirably written character sketch from the pens of two warm friends of Dr. Lucinda Corr: In personal appearance Dr. Corr is not at all the ideal strong-minded woman. Five feet tall, straight as an arrow, with plump girlish figure, notwith- standing her forty-seven years, with round fair face, large deep set blue eyes, overshadowed by heavy brows, a full forehead, and a magnificent head of nut-brown hair four and a half feet long. Dr. Coir's mother was a woman of unusual strength of character. A Virginian by birth, con- servative in her views, ineflexible in principle, ex- clusive in habit, but sympathizing deeply with her snrls in all their efforts towards intellectual ad- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 761) vancement. From nor the Doctor inherited her sunny disposition and the courage t lint has enabled ber to always stand bravely for her convictions. A typical Western woman, Dr. Coir had ad- vanced ideas on all subjects, even when a girl in years, and like many other girls in Southern faini- its relief, and the skill and courage to use them. "Have your plans been successful?" a friend asked not long ago when meeting Dr. Con-, after a few years absence. "Plans." said the Doctor, -'plans. I never had any plans. These things just grew upon me. Voti lies, rebelled against the advice of that clog to know I love my home and to have my own family womanly progress, the Apostle Paul, and determ- ined to know tilings for herself. Accordingly she fitted herself for teaching, and when only seven- teen years old. taught her first country school. It was while teaching this school that she first met Mr. Albert C. Con. and began a friendship that ripened into a life long love, and resulted in an al- most ideal married life! Dr. Albert C. Coir was then a student of medicine and together they read and discussed subjects beyond the range of most young people. The close of the school brought separation to the lovers. He went to Chicago to win his diploma. She home to teach and study and prepare herself for the keeping of the home they two should build. hi it. but the need seemed so great, for a place where sick women and children could come for treatmeui and care, that gradually the house has been enlarg >l and patients have come and we have really a hospital without intending it." Dr. Corr is an enthusiast in her profession and though a delicate woman, has strength and eour- age to perform surgical operations, if the case de- mand, that would try the strength and nerve of the strongest man. It was not for ease that she chose this most laborious of the professions, but be- cause in her generous sympathetic heart, she thought she could do the most good in it; and the long list of those whom her care and skill have raised from beds of hopeless invalidism to health The young M. D. came home, the little house was j and strength, proves her belief to be well founded, furnished and the bright young bride, settled down In her well-ordered hospital home everything runs to sew on the Doctor's buttons, listen to long stories smoothly under her guiding hands; while her from half-sick, often hysterical women, and to make ?1 do the work of &;">. But in listening to these sad stories of sickness and discouragement the listener's tender heart was wrung, and in thinking them over, "the times seemed sadly out of joint." was Christian faith comforts and upholds ■those who tarry for the coming of the angel who opens the way to the world "hose portals we call death." Her cheery smile and sympathetic words, bring strength and courage to those who await the slower coming there nothing to be done to remedy the evils so | of "one who hath bealing in His wings. constantly before her? Could not woman's insight and intuition better reach and help her sisters? So her thoughts turned to the study of medicine. After her graduation she formed a partnership with her husband and opened an office in her na- tive town. With characteristic unselfishness, and a noble lack of jealousy, Dr. A. ('. Corr, her hus- band, entered into all her plans, and it was his sympathy that upheld her in her work, as step by step she climbed the ladder of success, bravely and heroically, winning her way, until to-day shestands triumphant, among the best physicians and sur- geons in the State. A radical in medicine, as in everything else. Dr. Corr keeps well abreast of the limes, and in her house, poor sick humanity can find all the modern inventions and discoveries for While it is true as the Book says, "A merry heart, doeth good like a medicine," it is also true that "lightest hearts have often heaviest mourn- ing," but whatever Dr. Con's personal sorrows may be, they are closely locked in her own breast, with tin' s< crets and sins of her weaker sisters, and that she "hath learned of sorrow, sorrow's cure," hosts of care-sick, sorrowing women can testify. The loving heart that underlies her terse words, either quizzical or severe as the case may be. is too plainly apparent to allow even the disordered im- agination of an invalid to be wounded thereby. Of the tender lliotherliness that is a strong trait, in her character, though .alas! to her has come no mother's crown, but few who know only of her bns\ hie a- Author ami Doctor, would have the 770 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. least idea; but the troop of wide-awake neices and nephews who at different times have found a borne under her roof can bear most loving witness to her maternal love and care. A younger sister found a mother in her, so also an orphaned girl and boy, the children of strangers. Both these girls are now happy wives and are mothers <>f children who are at once the torment and pride of their little foster grandmother. Of the ideal home life of the Drs. Corr. how shall we speak? The tender companionship and mutual helpfulness that life pursuits have engen- dered between them, is as unusual as it is beauti- ful. Few men are capable of such living. A grey turbaned son of Arabia would call Dr. A. ('. Corr '•a brother of girls." A title purer and sweeter far than any that graced a knight of the round table. To an on-looker there would seem to be so many and diverging interests in Dr. Core's home, that no one but a general could keep them separate and make all run smoothly, but the bright fared little woman, who sits at her ease in her rocking chair, talking on all sorts of subjects, between of- fice calls, has them well in hand and finds time be sides by work of tongue or pen to aid the nine different societies to which she belongs. Some arc for the further advancement of women, others for the elevation of the world at large, but all for the bettering of poor humanity and all dear to the Doctor's heart. This is a tame picture of the first woman doctor in Macoupin County. To the true woman, tender wife and faithful friend, this little sketch is but a feeble offering faintly portraying the love and ven- eration of her character that tills the hearts cf Frances P. Kimball, St. Paul, Minn. Virginia D. Pearce, Meridian, Miss. \T^~ AVID FERGUSON, a retired farmer resid- ))) ing in Staunton, was born in County Deny, \r Ireland, October 31, 1837, and is a son of Henry J. Ferguson. The father was also born in the same county of Scotch-Irish parentage, his an- cestors having emigrated from Scotland to Ireland during the religious persecution. He was reared in his native county, serving as a farmer and clerk and there married Miss Sarah Swan, who, likewise, was born in that locality. After three children, David, Hugh and Sarah, were born of their union, Henry .1. Ferguson emigrated with his family to the United States, sailing from Liverpool in the latter part (if the summer of 1839. In September he reached Philadelphia, Pa., whence he came to Alton by way of Cincinnati and the Ohio River, and continued across the country to Staunton which w ,s then a small hamlet. The father purchased a partially improved farm of forty acres, afterwards entered a one hundred and twenty-acre tract and by purchase kept adding to his possessions until his farm comprised four hundred and thirty acres. He developed the land from its primitive condition, transforming it into rich and fertile fields. It was quite low and some- what, swampy and by his neighbors had been dis- carded as worthless, but he introduced the drain- ing process and soon had one of the fines! farms in the county. He was everywhere known as an honest and upright man. and had a host of warm friends who esteemed hiin highly for his many ex- cellencies of character. A man of strong convic- tions, when he believed himself to be right, noth- ing could swerve him from his purpose. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and in poli- tics he was a Democrat until the war, when he be- came a supporter of the Republican parly. His death occurred at his home in Staunton Township, January 13. 1883, when nearly eighty years of age. His wife still survives him and is living with her her daughter, Mis. Capt. Burns, in Staunton Town- ship, at the age of eighty -six. She, too, is a Pres- byterian in religious faith. With his parents. David Ferguson came to this country, and upon his father's farm he resided un- til he had arrived at man's estate. In Hilyard Township in 1875, he wedded Mary J. Dey, who was born in Jerseyville, 111.. September 23, 1845. A lady of many excellencies of character, she is highly esteemed for her many acts of kindness anil deeds of charity. Both Air. and Mrs. Ferguson are members of the Presbyterian Church with PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 771 which they have long been identified, and in poli- tics be is a Prohibitionist For many yens he lias bum a stanch advocate of temperance principles and believing that question to be of more impor- tance than any other issue up before the people, he affiliates with that party which has taken a firm stand in opposition to the liquor traffic. Throughout his business life, Mr. Ferguson fol- lowed farming and succeeded in making one of the finest farms in this community. His place had al- ways a neat, and thrifty appearance, was well stocked and supplied with good buildings. He made his home there for many years but at length wishing to live a retired life, he came to Staunton, in 1884, and has since made his home in this place. Occasionally he engages in selling religious hooks by standard authors, but has practically laid aside business cares, having accumulated a sufficient competency to keep him through his remaining years. For more than half a century, he has re- sided in this community, and is numbered among its honored pioneers. ARL II. UHLER. The editor of a news- paper generally Incomes well known in his ' community, particularly if the sheet he con- trols has a special aim and appeals to the people on a ground not occupied by many others. Wherever the paper goes the people ."re interested in knowing something of the man who is the " power behind the throne" and whose mind and character are stamped upon its pages. The subject of this bio- graphical notice is the editor and publisher of the Macoupin County Advance, the office of which is in Bunker Hill. The paper was established in August, 1888, and Mr. Filler assumed his present position after the issuance of the first number. It is a six-column quarto paper and lias a large circu- i Scotch extraction and traces its ancestry in direct Advance office is supplied with machinery and type for all kinds of job work, and .Mr. 1'hler is a practical printer and pressman, so that he is cap- able of sending out, first class work of the various kinds that are called for. A- preliminary to the sketch of his own life, it may be well to give some notes regarding the pro- genitors of Mr. I'hler. His grandfather was Eras- mus 1'hler. Jr., who was born in Baltimore. Md., in 1780, and carried on a large sugar refinery and tannery, lie owned a number of slaves. In 1 836 lie failed in business and came West, dying at Rainsville, [nd., in February, 18.52. His wife was Catherine Hoffman, who was born at Boonesboro. Md., in December, 1796, and died at Danville. III., in October. 1856. The father of Erasmus Uhler, Jr., was bum in Bavaria. Germany, 1751, and died in Baltimore in 1814. His family consisted of one sou and four daughters. The son, John G., was burn in Baltimore, January 26, 1.V24, and had not entered his teens when he came Wesl with his father's family. He was soon after apprenticed to a cabinet-maker and thoroughly learned the trade. In 1854 he removed to Danville, i his State, and later to North Fork and Middleport, finally settling in Tuscola in 1863. There he made his home until his death, May 27, 1 884. He was at that lime a prominent figure in local Republican politics and held the office of Chief Patriarch of Tuscola Encampment, I. 0. O. F., at the time of his death, having been a charter member of the order in that city. The leading architect and builder of the city his skill is attested bv many buildings that stand in that place. In May, 1852, John G. Cider was married at Rainsville. End., to Martha C. Mtirdock, who sur- vives him and is now a resident of Oakland, III. She WPS born on Wea Plains, [nd., April 27, 1833. Her parents wore John and .lane (Sterling) Mur- dock. The family on the paternal side is of lation in Macoupin. Jersey and Madison Counties. It is the only Prohibition organ in Southwestern Illinois, and while dealing with the liquor question more particularly, it advocates reforms of all kinds and to some extent favors the movement, of the Farmers Mutual Benefit Association. The line to Robert II. of Scotland, through whom they are connected with the royal family of Stuarts. To Mr. and Mrs. Filler six children were born, three of whom are still living, Carl II. being the eldest, Blanche E., five years younger, is a school teacher at Oakland tins State, and Clarence E., who PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. is nine years younger than Carl, is editor of the Pilot a Republican journal at Oakland. Carl H. Uhler was bom in Danville, this State, May 1, 185C, but was reared at Tuscola and edu- cated in the public schools. .During his boyhood he worked with his father and acquired a thorough knowledge of carpentry and joining. He also spent several years in a drug store and passed through various other experiences usual to the life of a youth in a small Western town. In 1876 lie entered the office of the Tuscola Review as "devil" and after working there a year found employment on the Saturday Journal in the same place. He ran the gamut of newspaper work and graduated, typographically, in 1881. Soon after lie engaged with Cyrus A. Cook in the pub- lication of a small evening paper at Terre Haute, Ind. The venture did not prove successful and in the fall of the same year Mr. Uhler was occuping the city editor's desk in the office of the Illinois State Journal at Springfield. In this position he also reported the proceedings of the important special apportionment session of the legislature in 1882. His health broke down under tin' strain of seven- teen to eighteen hours work a day, and he accepted a position as a special correspondent for the Odd Fellows Herald of Springfield, and while acting in that capacity visited many of Hie Odd Fellows' Lodges of Illinois, among others that at Bunker Hill. Mr. Uhler next assumed the editorship of the Independent which he held for a year, after which he bought the Tolono Herald. He had conducted that sheet but a few months when he was offered a remunerative position on a Cincinnati journal and for two years he was the editor of the Cincinnati Furniture Worker, a leading trades journal. In the fall of 1*< S ."> Mr. Uhler returned to this State and for a few months was engaged as City Editor of the Canton Register from which he resigned in March. 1886, to lease the Monticello Bulletin. For a year he conducted that paper with marked financial success, but, being unable to renew his lease he accepted a position on the Sulli- van News which he occupied until the spring of 1888. He then obtained a lease of the Macoupin ('■unit,/ Advance and in August removed to Bunker Hill. He has been more successful in his work here than he anticipated, and is receiving the hearty support of the Prohibitionists and that of the others who are interested in knowing how the movement progresses and understanding both sides of that as well as other questions. Mr. Uhlei is what might be called a good, all-round newspaper man, having had sufficient experience in the differ- ent departments to know what is needed, and the ability to sec that the need is supplied. In the editorial work of the paper he is aided by Prof. Stiver, but the responsibility of the business rests upon his own shoulders. While living in Cincinnati Mr. Uhler was mar- ried to Miss Sarah A. Hall of Sullivan, this Stale, she was bom at Edge wood, April 11, 1859, and is the daughter of Edwin and Mary (Clarke) Hall, both of whom are of English decent but natives ol Xe'v York. The marriage of her parents took place October 1. 1854, and their family includes Fliza. wife of S. F. Balcom, a civil engineer in the employ of the Chicago, Cincinnati, Colum- bus & St. Louis Railroad, located at Mt. Carmel; Joseph C, who is engaged in the transfer department of the Illinois Central Rail- road at Cairo; Sarah A., wife of our subject; Ed .1.. clerk of the freight department of the Illinois Central Railroad at Cairo; Sam B. a jeweler at Sullivan. Joseph C. is the only married son. Mr. Hall was born at Burnt Hills. Saratoga County, N. Y.. October 10, 1830, and his father was Dr. Jos- eph Hall. His present home is in Sullivan this State. His wife (lied at Sullivan June 14, 1888. Her father was Joshua Clarke, a leading architect of Cohoes. N. Y. The Clarkes have been a well- known family in Westerly, now Richmond, R. I., since the death of their earliest recorded ancestor, Samuel Clarke, in 1680. Mrs. Filler was educated mainly in Sullivan and is a graduate of the High School. She is a woman of bright mind, pleasing address and Christian character, her membership being in the Methodist Episcopal Church. To her and her husband two children have been born Mary E. at Sullivan. May 16. 1886, and Clarke Murdock at Bunker Hill. Jan- uary 19, 1891. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 773 Mr. Uhler is not an office-seeking politician, but is an earnest adherent of the Prohibition party and an anient worker in its interest. Thai he is enterprising and alive to the prospects of tiie day is proved by the way in which he carries on his business. •JSgfeSs- |UY A. SNELL, a well-known and success- ful farmer of Honey Point Township, where he owns a large and valuable farm, was born in that part of Greene County which is now in- cluded in Jersey County. 111.. March 14, 1839, coming of good old Revolutionary and New Eng- land slock. His father, Dr. Asa Snell, was a native of Addison Comitv, Yt., anil a son of Solomon Snell, who did gallant service in the ranks of the Continental army during the Revolution. He was present at the capture of Burgoyne, and a pewter platter taken from the British General's table at that time, was one of the trophies that he secured and kept until his death. It is still preserved by Fair Association in Jersey County. The old sol- dier was a farmer by occupation, and his last days were passed among the green hills of Vermont. Dr. Asa Snail was reared and educated in his na- tive State. He earjy turned his attention to the study of medicine, and graduated from the Medi- cal Department of the Castleton Medical College. Until 1834 he practiced at Quaker Village, near Weybridge, Yt., and then in company with a Mr. Whitford he came to Illinois, making the journey with a pair of horses and a wagon. He selected a suitable location in that part of Greene County now included in Jersey County, and then married and established a home a little while after that event, having lived for a time with his father-in- law. He purchased one hundred acres of land two miles from Jerseyville, on which stood a log cabin in which he took up his residence, and lived there with his family for some years. The Doctor devoted his time to his profession, became well-known for his skill and success in con- tending with diseases prevalent in a newly settled country, and in the course of years acquired a large practice. In the early days of his settlement there were but few roads in the country, carriages were almost unheard of, and his trips were made on horseback. After a long and active life he passed away January 21, 1875, at the ripe age of sevenly- eigllt years and six months. The mother of our subject, who still resides on the old homestead at a venerable age, bore the maiden name of Priscilla Landon. She reared twelve children. She is a native of Addison Coun- ty, Vt., and a daughter of Horace Landon. Her father brought his family from their early New Eng- land home to the Prairie State in September, 1835. lie purchased a tract of land two miles from Jer- seyville, a few acres of which were improved, and a log cabin was standing on the place. Mr. Landon resided there nearly twenty years and then sold the farm, and bought another near Jerseyville, on which he made his home the remainder of his life. His wife was Drusilla Ham. She died on the home farm in 1804. Guy A. Snell was carefully reared in his native county, and remembers well the incidents of pio- neer life. He received his early education in a rude log louse that was furnished in a most primitive fashion. When still quite young he began to assist ou the farm, and remained an inmate of the pa- rental home until his marriage in 18G3. The fol- lowing year he came to Macoupin County and located on a tract of land in Folk Township owned by his father. After live years' residence there he purchased his present farm on section 4, Honey Point Township. At the lime of his purchase it comprised two hundred acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and he has erected a good class of farm buildings, and has made all the modern improvements necessary to a well-conducted farm. From time to time he has bought other land, and is now the owner of four hundred and sixty acres of land, part of which is in Honey Point Township, and the remainder in Shaw's Point Township. May 27, 1863, was the date of an important event in the life of our subject, as he was then married to Miss Abbie Voorhes, a native of Jersey County, and a daughter of Peter P. and Maria (Kirby) Voorhes. Her parents were natives of New Jersey, and were pioneers of Jersey County. 774 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Of their marriage four children have hern born to our subject and his wife, namely : Hugh, whore- sides in Litchfield; Myron W.. a student of Bush- nell College; Truman A., and Rebs M., who are at liome with their parents. For many years Mr. Snell was a Republican in his political views, but of late years he has identified himself with the Democratic party. In his religious opinions he is very liberal, giving his support to all enterprises having in view the uplifting of the people and the good of the community. I'c possesses a keen, well- balanced mind, and excellent business qualities, is always fair in all his dealings and is in every way worthy of the respect accorded him as one of our best citizens. M^ EUBEN K. BARNES, a general farmer and •man, residing on section 22. Bunker Township, has since his fifteenth year lived on his present homestead, lb' is a representative of one of the early families of the community. His birth occurred in the county of Hillsboro. N. H.,. Tune 20, 1838, and he is descended from an early and respected New England family. His paternal grandfather. William Barnes, was a a Hillsboro farmer and married Abigail Parker, After her death he was again married, his second wife surviving him for some time. Her death occuired in Lowell, Mass Throughout his entire life Mr. Barnes made Hillsboro County his home and died at the age of seventy years in Greenfield. Nathan Barnes was one of a family of six children, numbering five sons and a daughter, and he too was a native of Hillsboro County. On attaining to manhood he married Sarah E. Evans, who was born and reared in Hillsboro County, and was a daughter of Asaph and Sarah Evans, who spent their entire lives in the old Granite State. After the birth of their ten children they started Westward and in Septem- ber, 1851. reached Macoupin County. III., locating on the farm now occupied by our subject. With characteristic energy Nathan Barnes began the development of his land and soon had a good heme where he lived until called to his final rest. Novem- ber 22, 1870, at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife who is still living at the age of eighty-five years, makes her home with her son Reuben. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church as washer husband. In politics he was a supporter of Republican principles. The Barnes family comes of English parentage. Since his boyhood Reuben Barnes has lived upon his present farm. He began his school life in New Hampshire and completed his education in the dis- trict schools of this county, which he attended during the winter season, when his services were not needed at home. As a helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Pauline A. Gohring, the wedding ceremony being performed in Bunker Hill Township, November 21. 1*59, by the Rev. George Silver. The lady was born in Saxony, Germany, September 30,1838, and is a daughter of John C. and Ernesta F. (Plotlner) Gohring, who were also natives of Saxony, where they were born, reared and married and began their domestic life on a homestead which had been in the family for two hundred years. The wife died in the Fatherland when Mis. Barnes was only seven years of age, after which Mr. Gohring with his two daughters, his only children, crossed the Atlantic to America in 1848. The vessel in which they s.vled after many weeks arrived at tin; port of New Orleans, and thence they came up the .Mississippi River to St. Louis and on to Madison County, where the father pur- chased a farm of one hundred acres. Afterward he bought land in Macoupin County. His death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Barnes, on the 7th of November, 1890, at, the age of four- score years. He was a weaver by trade and fol- lowed that pursuit in his native land, but made farming his occupation in his American home. In religious belief he was an Evangelical Lutheran. After coming to this country, Mrs. Barnes worked in several German American families and by study, observation and experience became an intelligent, cultured, yet practical woman. She still retains a good knowledge of her native tongue, being able to both read and write the language. To her hus- band she has proved a true helpmate and her able RESIDENCE OF R . K. B ARN ES , 5EC.2 1. BUN K ER H I LL TR, M ACOUP! N CO., ILL. RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM H E AL , SEC. 5. , BUN K ER H I LL TR, MACOU PI N CO., ILL RESIDENCE OF W. S. HART WICK, SEC. 19., BIRD TP., MACOUPI N CO., ILL, UBBART Of TflE l'OKI'UAIT AND BIOCRA1M1ICAL RECORD. assistance bus added nut a little to their prosperity. Both M'\ nnil Mrs. Barnes are members of the Baptist Church and in politics lie is a stalwart Republican. Their family numbers six children, five of whom arc yet living: John M.. a farmer of Bunker Hill Township, married Miss Lilly Dike; Eugene A., who wedded Ada Drew, is living in Bunker Hill; \V. Frank, who giaduated from (he Washington University and Manual Training School of St. Louis. Mo., in l.S.S.j. i< now employed a- a teacher of drawing in that institution. He mar- ried Miss Lul.i Pbilbrook of Kau Claire, Wis.; Lydia A. and Albert N., who complete the family are still at home. The farm which Mr. Barnes now owns and oper- ates comprises one hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, situated just west of Bunker Hill. It is well improved and highly cultivated and is stocked with a high grade of milch cows for dairy [imposes. He does an extensive business as a dairy- man, supplying the St. Louis market with milk. In his business operations he has been very successful and is now numbered among the substantial farm- ers of the- township. On another page of this volume appears a view of his comfortable home. 1/ ILLIAM HEAL, a thrifty and practical III stock-raiser and a prosperous farmer resides ^nJj/ on section 5. Bunker Hill Township. His faun consists of one hundred and sixty acres, all excellent land and highly improved with a fine set of good, substantial farm buildings. Mr. Ileal came to this county a poor man in 1868 and began work as a laborer, saving his money and by careful economy wa> able in ! 874 to purchase the farm upon which he now resides and a view of which accompanies this biographical notice. Mr. Ileal, subject of this sketch, is a native of Somersetshire. England. His natal day was Jan- uary 17. 1848. He comes of an old family of that shire, of pure English stock. His father, Joseph, was an English farmer and lived and died in his na- tive shin', reaching the age of sixty-four years. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Loekyer, was burn and spent her life in the same locality a- her husband. She died at the age of sixty years. Both of these worthy people were identified with the Baptist Church. The subject of this sketch is the fifth child in a family of six sons and four daughters, all of whom are yet living, and all have established families of their own. William and a brother George are the only ones in this country. George is a farmer, occupying one of his brother's farms in this town- ship. William was educated and reared in his native home and was twenty years old when he undertook independent work. He decided to come to the Nov World and was the first of the family to make this decision. He took passage at Liverpool on the vessel '-City of Baltimore" and landed in New York City, February II, 1868. His face was turned Westward and he was not willing to make a le me in the East so he came directly lo Illinois and set- tled in this county, where he ha.- since accumulated a competency by his own efforts. The lad.VjW.ho .became the wife of Mr. Heal bore the maideHPVmafle of Mary F. Loekyer. She was burn in Macoupin Cou'rily, this State, in 1852 and here was reared and educated. Ibi parents, Rich- ard and Emma (Barnstable) Loekyer, were natives of Somersetshire. England, and after their marriage came at once to America in 1844. After landing in New York City, they came directly to the West and made their home in Macoupin County where they began life as American farmers. The father died in the prime of life before his daughter, now Mrs. Ileal, was born. The mother, Mrs. Loekyer, wasa second time man ied and became Mis. Henry Bak :r. Mr. Baker, who is an Englishman and a successful farmer, is now living in Brighton Town ship, this county, at an advanced age. His wife died when fifty-eight years old in the year 1885. They were both earnest and conscientious members of the Congregational Church. Mrs. Heal was reared by her mother and step- father, she is tin' mother of six children, one of whom is deceased. Those who are living are Henry .1 .who is attending the \\ estern Norma] College at Bushncll; George E., Elizabeth D., Walter W.,and Charles Edgar are all at home. Tin patents are earn- estand consistent members of the Congregational 778 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Church of Woodburn, where Mr. Heal is a Trustee. They are rearing their children in the faith and practice of that chinch. Our subjeel is a stanch and sound Republican in his political views; a man of n >ble bearing, high-minded and honorable and commands the respect and admiration of all who know him. ILLIAM S. HARTWICK, a hard-working \/\lr al "' skill,ul farmer of Bird Township, is W pleasantly local. al on section 19. lie has one hundred and eighty -two acres of land which is under excellent tillage and is supplied with a full line of substantial farm buildings and such other improvements as befit the estate of a man of good judgment. A view of his pleasant homestead will be found on another page. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and has been lo- cated on his present estate since February, 1882. Prior to that time lie lived in .Jersey County. where he was horn .lime 28, 1850. His educational opportunities, although limited to the district school, were good, and he grew to manhood in session of a goodly amounl of practical knowledge and information on various topics. He left the parental home in his twenty-first year to establish a fireside of his own. The parents of Mr. Hartwick were .lames and Eliza (Skillman) Hartwick. natives of New Jersey. They were reared and married in their native State and came thence to Illinois many years ago. Their first home in the Prairie State wasin Jersey County, but they removed to Macoupin County and finally made their home in Chesterfield Town- ship. Mr. Hartwick died in Jersey County while absent from home on business, the date of his de- cease being December 28, 1883. He had attained to the good old age of seventy-two years. The mother who makes he:' home in Greene County is now (1891) eighty-one years old. William S. is the sixth in a family of seven children. That interesting and momentous event — the marriage of William Hartwick and Mary M. Cox — occurred December 29, 1870, at the bride's home in Jersey County. She is a daughter of John and Rebecca (Sinclair) Cox. now deceased, and her father was a fanner. She was burn in Missouri March 12. 1852. To her and her husband two children have come, who are named respectively Edwin and .lames. They adopted a little girl, Mary E., when only seven months old and she is now a bright child of eight summers. Our sub- ject and his family are members of the Baptist Church in Bird Ti.wnship. Air. 1 lart wick exercises thi' light of suffrage in behalf of Democratic can- didates, lie and his wife arc held in high esteem, as people of intelligence and kindliness, and they have man\ wai in fi tends. r^s EV. GEORGE SANDERS. One by one die l^/ pioneers of this county are passing to their 1 \ final rest. Few now remain of those who \£) opened the pathway for advancing civiliza- tion, turned the first furrows in the primitive soil, and made an uncultivated section of country ''blos- som as the rose." '1 here recently passed from the - of earth one of these honored pioneers, whose name is indissolubly associated with the progress of Macoupin County and whose memory will be cherished in the hearts of generations to come. We are pleased to present to our readers a brief biogra- phical review of the liev. Mr. Sanders, who died July 30, 1891. The 1-i-t years of his life were passed retired in Bunker Hill, whither he removed in 1882. His residence in the county dates from 1 844, and he was therefore a witness of many changes in the ap- pearance of the country. Thriving towns now oc- cupy the pleasant valleys, and where was once wild woodland ma\ now be seen rich estates and com- ic .table homes. Mr. Sanders was born in Devon- shire, England, eighty miles north of London, April 21, L805,and was one of nine children, whose parents. Edward and Mary (Ford) Sanders, were born, reared, married and died in England. The father was a miller by trade and followed that oc- cupation until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty years and was caused by being thrown from PORTRAIT AND BJOG R APHICA L RECORD. "7:' a horse. 1 1 is wife survived liiui and died at the age of seventy-two years. Tliey were botb members of the Church of England. J 11 his native land, George-Sanders grew to man- hood and during his youth became connected with the (Queen's Palace, remaining in the direct employ of her Majesty for some sixteen years, during which time he served in the Yeoman's Cavalry and fre- quently came in contact with the Queen, lie later engaged in the milling business which he followed until 1841, when he determined to make a home in the New World and set sail for America, taking passage on a vessel commanded by Capt. Taylor. After a voyage of twenty-nine days he landed in New York City, where for four years he was em- ployed in a potash manufactory. On the expira- tion of that time he came to Illinois and ever after ward made his home in Bunker Hill Township. lie has led a liusy and useful life ami one which in many respects was worthy of emulation. While in England he was licensed to preach in 1834, in the local churches and alter coming to the United States was again licensed on the 3d of August. 1841 . He was a generous giver to the Methodist Church, the religion of his faith, and by exam, le as well as precept led many to a knowledge of the truth. While in London in 1886, he visited the headquar- ters of Gen. Booth, whom he heard preach and whom he regarded as one of the noblest and most conseciatcd men. In England, Rev. Mr. Sanders was joined in wed- lock with Miss Elizabeth Paw. who was born and reared in the same shire with her husband. To- gether they emigrated to America and her death oc- curred in Bunker Hill in 1852. at the age of fortj - two years. She was the mother of nine children, three of whom are now deceased — William, Maria and Mary A., all of whom were married and left families. Thomas, who wedded Sarah Nailer, is living in Bunker Hill : Edward, a prominent farmer of Litch- field, married Louisa Carter; Sarah is the wife of Leon Wilder, who served throughout the late War and afterward became a policeman of Denver, Colo., where he died and was buried with many honors; Amelia, widow of Thomas Bird, is also living in Denver; Stephen, who wedded Ida Brown, is en- gaged in gold mining in Colorado; Sophia is the widow of Dr. (). ( ). Stimsou. a native of Vermont. who graduated from Ann Arbor University and later from the Wisconsin Dental College, lie was fur years a leading dental surgeon of Bunker Hill, where he died in 1885. His remains were interred witli all the In nuns of the Masonic lodge. He was also a member of the United Workmen Lodge of Bunker Hill. He had a large and lucrative prac lice and won a host of friends whose warm sympa- thy was extended to his widow in her bereavement. The father spent the last two years of his life with his daughter. Mrs. Stimson, where he (lied, July 311, 1891. Mr. Sanders for many years followed farming in this county and as the result of his industry, thrift and enterprise lie acquired a handsome com- petence which dialled him to live a retired life. Pair dealing characterized his entire business career and he lived a life which won him the warm regard of all with whom he came in contact. — J3- -vjr^-v' -£f~ 1 AMES E. NIFONG. Among the influential and public spirited men residing in North Palmyra Township, we are pleased to call the attention of our readers to the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. His father, Jacob Nifong, was of Southern birth, being born in either Virginia or North Carolina, while the mother. Lctey Simms, was a native of either Tennessee or Kentucky. Their marriage took place in Madison ( lounty, Mo., in October, 1 825, and they emigrated thence to Illinois and settled upon section 7. North Palmyra Township, in the year 1 828, where Jacob Nifong died February 2. 1844. The mother of James Nifong was married a sec- tion time ti.i James l'atton, ol Sangamon County, 111., where she died in 185G. The parents of our subject had nine children, only three of whom lived to years of maturity. James was born in Madison County. Mo., August 14. 1828. He grew to man- hood in North Palmyra Township, which has al- ways been his home with the exception of seven ye.u-, when be lived in Palmyra village, being en- gaged in the mercantile business in company with rso PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. I). N. Solomon under the firm name of Solomon & Nifong. These two gentleman platted the village of Palmyra ami gave it its name. When Mr. Nifong was n young man he learned the wagon-maker's trade of liis father and worked at it one year in Waverly, III. He also took up earpen try, although agriculture has been his chief pursuit through life. The first marriage of our subject oc curred January 9, 1849, in South Palmyra Town- ship, lie was then united with Miss /alpha A. Solomon, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Prowse) Solomon. This lady was born in Mor- gan County, III., October 28, 1*29, and became the mother of nine children, three now deceased. The surviving ones are as fellows: Jennie who is now the wife of John J. Wright, of Yirden; Lcwallyn J. who died when nearly twenty-eight years old; William A. married Ella Rhorer who is now de- ceased; Henry 1'. took to wife Ida Malone; Allison II.. whose wife bore the maiden name of Mabel Baker; Leroy M., married Millie Fletcher and Clarence ()., who is still at home. These children have all grown up to be an honor and delight, to their father who finds in their beautiful affection and upright lives a cheer and comfort in his de elining days. Their mother passed from earth in Palmyra Township, September 1 1, 1886. The second marriage of our subject look place in Scottville Township, July 17. 1889, his bride being Lydia A. Coons, daughter of Joseph and Sophia (McCollougb) Coons, who was born in Scottville Township, Macoupin County. June 28, 1850. Mr. Nifong is the owner of two hundred and fort)' rich and productive acres in North Pal- myra Township and upon this farm arc to be found as comfortable and commodious buildings as may be seen in the township. He owned at one time some eight hundred acres but has given away the most of his land to his children. His wealth has been accumulated through his own energy, enter- prise and industry, as he began life by working out by the month, part of the time for the wages of $G and $9 per month. His first farm was a rented one and his economy and industry have brought to him the tine property which he has owned. He was the first Township Clerk in North Palmyra Township after its organization and has acted as Trustee and School Treasurer. He is decidedly independent in his politics but is greatly inclined to aid all efforts in the line of prohibition. The Church of Christ is the religious body with which Mr. Nifong and his excellent wife are connected, lie takes a deep interest in the welfare of the farm- ing community and is a prominent member of the Grange, with which he has been connected for twenty years and to which he looks for help for the farmers both socially and intellectually. ' REDERICK R. RIFFEY. The owner of the farm located on section 22. North Otter JS> Township, is the gentleman whose name appears above. He is a Virginian by birth and education. His father was James Riffey and prob- ably was born in Roanoke County, Ya. His mother's maiden name was Anna Rhodes, probably a native of Augusta County, also Virginia. The father died in the county in which he was born, where they both made their home until the time of their death, although the mother passed away in Macoupin County, III., while on a visit to her daughter — Mrs. Elizabeth II. Bru baker. ( )ur subject, is one of eight children, he being the fourth of the family. He was born in Roan- oke County, Va., October 8. 1849, where he re- mained until he had attained manhood. His mar- riage took place in the same county in which he was born and brought up and January 26, 18G1), he was united for better or worse to Miss Martha E. Swartz, who was also a native of Virginia, her birthplace being in Botetourt County, and her advent into the world being on September 21. 1850. Mrs. Riffey's parents were Christian and Cather- ine (Click) Swartz. The mother's decease occurred in Roanoke County, Ya. Mr. and Mrs. Riffey had eight children — John W , Josiah O, James II., Rosa E., Frederick L., Gertie B., Melissa A. and Perley C. GerUe died in infancy. Mrs. Martha E. Riffey passed away from this life May 7, 1886, in North Otter Township and was laid away in God's acre, her spirit passing to the better world. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. r.si He was again married in Wayne County, Ohio, April 15,1888, to Mi.^ Mary E. Eshelman, a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Harshman) Eshel- ni;ui. The former was horn in Pennsylvania and the mother in Ohio. Mr. Eshelman died in Wayne County, Ohio. They had seven children, of whom Mrs. Riffey was the fourth. She was horn in Wayne County. Ohio, March 4, 1858. They have an in- fant unnamed. lie of whom we write has always been engaged in farming and agricultural pursuits; he owns sev cnty-three acres of land and has very good im- provements on his farm. Mr. Riffey is a Jackson - ian Democrat in politics and both husband and wife are members of the German Baptist Church. They take a deep interest in the Sunday school work and indeed in all religious matters. * ALMON TUTTLE HOPSON, a pioneer dairyman of Illinois, residing on his well- appointed farm on section 34, Guard Township, is carrying on a large and lucra- tive business in his line. He is a bright, energetic and progressive man, who is well informed on all subjects of public import and general interest, keeps well abreast of the times, and is in all respects an honor to the citizenship of this county, wheie he has made his home for mure than a quarter of lain line horse with all iis trappings thai had caught the savage's fancy. After a few minutes thought the Governor, as if very reluctantly, said, "If you have had such a dream I must give yon the horse, though I regret very much to do so," adding, "you must not dream any i v." On his next visit the Governor remarked to the Chief. --I have had a dream." The Indian asked him what it was. He answered thai ii was to the purport that the Indian was to give him all the laud lying be- tween the two streams known as East anil West Canada creeks. The Indian seemed amazed. But after thinking a few minutes said. -I must give you the land, hut don't dream any more." There were no railways or canals in New York when A brains Ilopson settled in Herkimer County, nor fur several years afterward, and all produce had to tie carried lo Albany to market, a distance of sixly nine miles. After many years of hard labor he cleared a good farm, but finally lost it through a defective title. He. however, secured another tract close by, and resided thereon until death closed his mortal career. The father of our subject learned file trades of a shoemaker and tanner in his youth, and carried them on in connection with farming a number of year-. lie then turned his attention to mercantile pursuits in Salisbury Center, and contributed to advance its business interests and material pros- perity, until his demise in 1868. He married in early manhood, taking as his wife Lucy Tuttle, .a native of Wallingford. Conn. She died at Salis- a century. Mr. Hopson was born in Salisbury Center. Her- bury Center in 1842, at the age of fifty-four years. kimer County, N. Y.. November 17, 1*24. His father, j Salmon T. Ilopson was reared in his native town James Hopson, was born in Wallingford. Conn., in 1778. The grandfather of our subject, Abrarus Hopson, was also a native of that New England State. He went from there to New York, and was one of the early settlers of Herkimer County, wdiere he secured a tract of timber land on what is known as '"Mary Johnson's Tract." A little inci- dent concerning that land may be related here. One time an Indian chief visited Governor Johnson at his home in Albany and told that gentleman that he had had a dream. The Governor asked him what it was. The Chief replied that he had dreamed that the Governor was to give him a eer- and was carefully trained in all that ^oes to make a good man and a loyal citizen. He was only six- teen years of age when he left his early home and went out into the world to seek fortune's favors, with no other capital than a sound physique, good principles, and a mind well balanced. He first went to Ohio, and was employed at the trade of a cooper in that State the two years ensuing. We next hear of him in Maryland, where he gave his time to teaching school until 1*17. In that year he made his way to this county, and for two years rented a farm in Chesterfield Township. From there he went lo Bird Township, where he cstali- ?82 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lisbed a dairy farm. There being no railways there for a time after he settled tbcre, he drew all his products to St. Louis lo market. Six years after locating in Bird Township, he removed to Jersey- ville. where he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness. Mr. Hopson was successful as a merchant, but he still retained his taste for the dairy business, and in 1862 he purchased the farm that he now owns and occupies in Girard Township. This was well adapted to dairy purposes, and formerly well stocked with good grades of sleek, well-kept, cattle, his herd being among the best dairy cows in this section. He carries on an extensive and well reg- ulated business, shipping a large quantity of milk- to St. Louis, where lie has established a first-class retail trade, his shipping bills on the railway amounting to upward of $700 a year. In the fall of 1890, he shipped his stock for the St. Louis trade to that city, where he has built up a business computed to be worth $25,000. Mr. Hopson has been twice married. Ii> 1 855 he was wedded to Miss Susanna 1!. Cundell, a na- tive of this county, and a daughter of John R. and Mary A. Cundell, who were natives of England and early settlers of Macoupin County. .Mis. Hopson departed this life after a happy marriage of ten years duration, October 2, 1865, leaving three children — Mamie. John J. and Carrie. Mr. Hop- son was married in October, 1866, to Elizabeth Vanarsdalc, a native of Soiierville, this county, and a daughter of William II. and Margaret G. (Carson) Vanarsdale. Seven children have blessed the felicitious union of our subject and his present wife, namely: Katie, Bartie, By- ron, Charlie, Cora, Herbie, and Lotta. Mr. Hop- son's daughter Mamie, is the wife of Alvin Van- natta, of St. Louis; Carrie is the wife of James Rice, a merchant of Champaign County; ami Katie married Daniel Bell, of St. Louis. Our subject has always been a great reader and stu - dent ot economic questions, and is widely and prom- inently known as a leader in the movements that have resulted in the establishment of the Grange, of the Farmers' Alliance and Farmers' Mutual Ben- efit Association, being one of the principal organ- izers and lecturers of the various societies. He is a forcible and ready speaker, never at a loss for words, and seems to possess an unending fund of information on whatsoever topic is under discus- sion. As an instance of his wit and aptness in re- ply, we will relate a little conversation that took place between him and Senator Palmer, while he was riding one day with that gentleman, during the latter's campaign for the governorship. As is well known the General is as fond of a joke as any- body, and he asked Mr. Hopson to tell him hon- estly what proportion of water he put into his milk. Our subject replied that he would tell him confidentially, that it was in the same proportion that he (the General) watered his speeches, and that at times both were very thin, whereat the ex- governor was highly amused, although the joke had been turned back on himself. Mr. Hopson was in early life a Whig, and cast his Brat vole for President for Gen. Scott. In I son he gave strong support to Stephen A. Doug- las in his candidacy for the Presidential chair, and since then lias worked with the Democrats, being one of the most earnest and intelligent supporters of his party in this part of the State. As a lecturer and organizer of the various societies mentioned he has had opportunity for an extended acquaint- ance with public men, who recognize his worth and ability, and unite with his fellow-townsmen in ac- cording him the respect due to his merits. GORGE B. WAY. The prosperous farmers of Virden Township have been the prime _X factors in the development of that portion of Macoupin County. Their industry and enter- prise have added weightily to the commercial value of the landed property, not only their own but all in that section. Their persevering efforts to in- crease the market facilities of that portion of the county, have added greatly to the possibilities of success for their more struggling neighbors, and we can heartily congratulate such men as Mr. Way on having done good work not only for himself but also for the county. The father of our subject was Uriah B. Way, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 7s;i who was born in Madison County, N. V.. ami his mother, a native of the same county, was Fanny McBride. They married and settled in their na- tive home hut somewhat later removed to Gen County in that State, which became the last earthly home of the mother. After his bereavement the father removed to Illinois, and in 1855 settled in Fulton County, but afterward made his home in McDonough County, where he died. The subject of this sketch was the Brsl born of his parents and is the eldest in their family of five children, being horn October 25, 1832, in Madison County. N. Y. Most of his early years were passed in his native Mate, ami he was a young man before the family emigrated to the West. He came to Illinois with his father in 1855, and ii was in Ful- ton County thai he found the woman whom he made his wife. Her maiden name was Lavina Nelson and she was born in Ohio. After marriage the young couple removed to Jersey County and here Mr. Way taught school for four winters, after which I ngaged in farm- ing and continued his resilience in that county until 1871 when he removed to Macoupin County, settling in Yinlen Township, which has since been his happy home. Farming has been his chief bus- iness in life, and he now owns two hundred and forty acres of land upon which he had erected buildings of more than ordinary value and attrac- tiveness. Everything upon the farm shows the hand of a practical and systematic farmer and the prosperity of Mr. Way is the direct result of his own energy and enterprise. Two children blessed the union of George and Lavina Way to whom were given the names of William and Fannie. Their mother was taken away by death while the family home was in Jer- sey County, in 1861, Mr. Way's second man took place in that county in November, 1863, his bride being Miss Louisa A. Bcenian. They are the parents of eight children, Georgeora, who is now the wife of Alvin Ferguson; Gloster, who married Miss Lib by Arnold; Edgar; Kllie; Evart and Earl; Mary died when sixteen months old and Ethel P. died at the age of one year. The mother of these children was called from this earthly life to her heavenly home in .lime. L881. Mr. Way is a man who takes quite an active part in political affairs and is an earnest advocate of the doctrines and policy of the Republican party. ^ II. TON McCLURE, United States Com- missioner for the Southern District of Ill- inois, is a well known resident of Carlin- ville. lie was hut an infant when he came to this Mute with his parents anil he has no recol- lection of other than his adopted home, with the interests of which he has been prominently identi- fied for many years. As a farmer, business man and official, he has acted well his part, and while advancing his private interests has been useful to society by setting a good example and faithfully discharging the duties which devolved upon him. He is not at present actively engaged in any busi- ness but is looking after his private interests and discharging the duties of his office. Although a native of Kentucky, Mr. McClure is descended from an old Virginia family and his ancestors were men of education and merit. His grandfather, the Rev. Allen McClure, united with the Presbyterian Church and when a young man became a minister in that denomination. He re- moved from his native State to Kentucky in an early day and was one of the original members of the first s\ noil of the Presbyterian Church organized in the Blue Grass State. As a pioneer preacher at Paris, Bourbon County, he did a noble work in that section. His son .lames, father of our subject, was' born in Augusta County, Va., and was quite young when the family removed to Kentucky. He was educated for the ministry but did not choose to follow that profession, preferring a mercantile life. He was married in Jessamine County to Frances Dickersou. a native of that, county and the daugh- ter of Martin and Rebecca Dickersoh. Some years later he removed to Shelby ville. Teun.. and en- gaged in mercantile pursuits there with branch stores in other places. He was unfortunate, lost his property, and about 1828 returned to Kentucky, remaning in Jessamine County until is:;!. Mr. McClure then came to this State, traveling 784 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. via the Kentucky and Mississippi Rivers to Col- urabiana,.Greene County. He made his home in Carrollton a year, then joined the pioneers of this county, entering Government hind in Carlinville Township. lie took up a claim of one hundred and twenty acres on which he built a double log house. His children improved the land and he re- sided upon it until after the death of his wife. which occurred in 1814. The same year he was appointed Clerk in the Land Office al Washington, D. C. by President Polk, was reappointed by President Taylor and continued in the office until his death, in 1841). In an early day he was Asses- sor Of this county and in the discharge of his duties visited every family, and in 1840 he took the county census. His family consisted of six sons and six daughters. Milton McClure was horn in Nicholasville, Jess- amine County, Ky. in 18.42. During his infancy his parent- came hither and as soon as he was strong enough he began to assist on the farm, lie made the best of the limited opportunities offered for securing an education, attending school i.i the primitive school-house built of logs, with puncheon floor and scats and heated by a fireplace. The first school he attended was taught by his father. Text-books were almost unknown and the primer or soelling hook was handed down in the family and made to do service for various members. Writing was done with a quill pen at a desk around the wall. When fourteen 3 ears old young McClure entered school in Carlinville and after studying there two years became a student at Shuttleff Col- lege in Upper Alton. lie carried on his work there three years and thus gained so much informa- tion that the faculty gave him a recommendation as a competent teacher. He did not, howev* r. adopt the profession but became a clerk in the drug store of his brother-in-law, Dr. L. .1. W Is. and when his clerical duties would permit, studied medicine. A year was thus spent and then Mr. McClure became a dry-goods clerk and continued to act in that capacity until L856, when he was elected Sher- iff of this county. He served two years, then be- came a merchant and a dealer in live stock. He was thus occupied until 1863 and fiom that time until 1889 carried on a drug business. He then sold out in order to enjoy more leisure. He has never lost his interest in agricultural affairs and now owns a valuable farm of four hundred and eighty acres. He was appointed United States Commissioner by President Johnson in 1 8(1,"> and has served continuously. In 1854 Mr. McClure was married to Martha K. Neale, a native of Springfield, this State, and a daughter of Gen. Thomas M. Neale. Mr. and Mis. McClure have two children — lames A. and Harriet B. The latter married Thomas Mellersh and their home is in San Francisco. Mr. McClure is a Democrat and in 1872 was a delegate to the Nation- al Democratic Convention at Baltimore. He has been a member of the village Board of Trustees and was Justice of the Peace about twelve years. In fact he has held some office almost from his majority. In 1872 he assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Carlinville and was elected Vke-Presideni and later President; in May. 1890, he aided in organizing the Carlinville National Bank and was elected Director. It will he s: en that Mr. McClure is influential anil active in pro- moting the various interests of the community, and it is needless to say that he is regarded with re- spect and good will. In 1880 he was elected a member of tin Stale Board of Equalization. -^,I=Sr" S=dRED G. STORZ, one of the retired merch- \—(s) ants of Girard, is a good model of a truly /lij self-made man who has by his unaided ef- forts gained a genuine success as a business man. This gentleman had few advantages or opportuni- ties for self-improvement in youth and but little capital with which to begin mercantile business. but by push, pluck and perseverance he has gained a handsome property and a comfortable compet- ency upon which he can retire from the active pur suits of life and enjoy the comforts of his beauti- ful home. ( hir subject was born in the village of Benningen in the province of Wurteinberg, Germany, his na- tal day being September 22, 1851. His father, Freiderick Storz, a native of the same province, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 785 w:i- :i farmer and spent his entire life in his native land, 'lying in 1873. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Ann Marie Schober. Her nativity was the same as the father's, and she preceded him to the oilier world, passing away in 1865. To this worthy couple were born six bright and promising children, all of whom they hrougbl up and educated, making of tiiem men and women worthy id' their excellent parentage. They are by name Freideriek, Michael, Ann Marie. Kail, And- reas, and our subject. Fred G. Storz is the only member of the family who has ever made his home in America. His elementary education was carefully promoted and his school life lasted until he was fourteen years old. He then set himself to learning the trade of a baker at Ludwigsburg and after sei vino- for three years, he then (as the law requires) pursued his trade for several years, carrying it on, however, in a number of different places. lie worked for one year at Heidelberg and then returned to Ludwigs- burg and followed his trade until 1*72. The passion for emigration had now taken pos- session of the young man and he decided to trans- fer his interests to the New World. He therefore hoarded the steamer "Ncckar" of the German Lloyd Line, in June, 1872, and landing in Balti- more, .Inly G, at once came to Illinois, spending some time in Springfield. lie visited friends for a short time and then being attracted to Virden, came lure and carried "li his trade for two years and then coming to Girard carried on work here for about nine months on another line, after which he decided to open up a bakery and a few months later took a partner and opened a restaurant in connection with the bakery. This partnership lasted for about five years at the end of which time Mr. Story, bought out the interest of the other man and continued ii: business until December, 1889. He then retired from act- ive work with the exception id' looking after his investments and bis private business. Delias ac- cumulated a handsome property including a beauti- ful residence which is built in a modern style of architecture, elegantly finished and handsomely furnished. The lady who presides with so much grace and dignity over this charming home bore the maiden name of Lena Schelb. She was born in Carlsnihe, the province of Baden, Germany', and came to America when she was eight \ ears of age. Her na- tal day was .January 0. I860, and she is a daughter Of Wilhelm and Christiana Schelb. She became the wife of Mr. Storz, December 16, 187!>. Two children have come to share the affection and par- ental solicitude of this worthy couple: Albert \V.. born October 29, 1880. and Mabel O. January 6, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Storz are earnest and active members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and this gentleman is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias and also of Lodge, No. 192, I. O.O. F. at Girard. ^J" •-,--. AMl'KL 1'. SANNKR is justly, considered one of the best farmers in the county, and the passing stranger least acquainted with the merits of farm lands, will decide that his property is one of the lies', in Bunker Hill Township. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres on section (Land eighty acres adjoining it. located on section 1, Brighton Township. The land has been highly developed and first-class buildings have been put up, while the fences are neat and substantial, the orchards well trimmed and every portion of the place subject to careful and orderly control. The property was bought by Mr. Sanner in 1862, and has been brought hy him to its present condition. Mr. Sanner comes of the old Pennsylvania- Dutch stock that has done so much to advance the agricultural interests of the nation. His grand- father, Jacob Sanner, married Sarah Hannah, and both died in Pennsylvania, where they had spent long and industrious lives. Grandfather Sanner was a soldier in the War of 1812. He and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian Church. Their sun Samuel was born in Northumberland County, and grew to manhood there. He married Barbara Paul, wdio was born in Virginia and was of German ancestors. After the birth of three children Mr. and Mrs. 786 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Sanner came lo this State, traveling overland and making their settlement in Madison County in 1833. They seemed land from the Government, and bravely took up the pound of duties and pri- vations incidental to pioneer life. After some time they removed to Shelby County, settling on a farm in Penn Township, where the husband died at the ripe age of seventy-seven years. He was very prominent among the old settlers, was Justice of the Peace and held other offices, and was generally respected. He was a Republican from the organi- zation of the party. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his widow is connected with that religious body. Although eighty-two years old, she is still quite active; her home is now in Decatur. The family of the good couple just mentioned consisted of twelve children, seven of whom are now living, and all on farms but one. The son of whom we write was born in Moro Township, Madi- son County, February 25, 1836, and grew up in that locality, lie was married there to Margaret Calvin, a native of the same county, who was boin in Omphghent Township November 13, 1*37. Her parents, Philip and Jane (Clarke) Calvin, were born in Pennsylvania, and did not leave th.it State until they were grown. They were married in Law renceburg, Ind., and soon afterward came to this State. They spent a few months in Bureau County, then secured and improved a line farm in Madison County. Mr. Calvin died when about sixty years old, and his widow lived to be four- score. They were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Under the careful training of her parents Mrs. Sanner was fitted for the position she was to hold as wife, mother and member of society. Her mar- riage lo our subject has been blessed to them by the birth of nine children, and they have been called upon to part with a daughter and a son. Lucy died when sixteen, and Samuel C. when eight months old. The living members of the family arc: Frank, whose home is at Lincoln 111.; Anna, wife of Rev. J. G. Miller, a Cumberland Presby- terian minister in Sandy Lake, Pa.; and Sophie, Nellie, Harry, Otto and Julia, who are yet at home. Mr. and Mrs. Sanner are among the most prom- inent people in their part of the county. Both are genial, kind-hearted and generous, liberal to their neighbors, and open-hearted even to the pass- ing stranger. Their acquaintances have learned to love and respect them for their hospitality, thrift and intelligence, and they exert a wide influence throughout the community. Mr. Sanner votes a straight Republican ticket. nn ^Ns- i HENRY BAUER. The name that heads this sketch is that of an extensive German- American farmer and stock-raiser, who is 1@/' one of the large land owners and wealthy men of Dorchester Township. The place whereon he lives is one of the finest farms in the southern pail of this county, his homestead embracing four hundred and eighty acres of fine land, most of which is under a high state of cultivation, and all well stocked with a high grade of cattle and swine. Our subject has built upon his place a series of farm buildings that compare favorably with any in the county, and the farm as a whole is so thor- oughly will kept up as to excite the admiration and comment of all who see it. He is also the owner of other valuable property in the county, aggregating about sixteen hundred acres, most of which is in this township, but some being located in Gillespie Township. The greater part of his land is under the plow, or is devoted to stock- raising. When Mr. Bauer made his purchase the major part of this land was raw prairie. He first began clearing the homestead in 1853.. It was originally perfectly unbroken and wild, the town- ship being very sparsely settled and surrounded with wild, unbroken land. It speaks well for the energv of the landowners, and also for the oppor- tunities to be found in tlie States that our subject came here a very poor man and has amassed the fortune which he possesses to-day, by his own ef- forts alone and unaided. The original of our sketch first came lo this State in 1848, and has ever since lived in this county with the exception of a few months passed in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 78? Madison County. He came here directly from Germany, Saxe-Altenburg being his birthplace. His natal day was November 28, 182;">. Mr. Bauer's parents were Charles F. and Maria (Geering) Bauer, both natives of Saxc- Allen burg. Soon after the coming of our subject to this country, his parents followed him, and in a short time they with their three living children settled in Macou- pin County. The following year the father and mother both passed away, being victims of an epi- demic which prevailed at the time. They were re- spectively sixty and fifty years of age, and dining thei;- lives had been conscientious and consistent members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject and Mrs. Christina Bumann are the only members of the family of four children now living. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native land. He was the eldest of the children and had just reached Ids majority when he left Germany, sailing from Bremen in August, 1848. He came hither on a sailer, and after sixty-three days landed in New Orleans, and came thence up the river to St. Louis, Mo. From there he went to Madison County, and late came here. In Bunker Hill Township Mr. Bauer encountered his fate in the shape of a young lady, whose name was Anna Elders. She was born in Holstein, Ger- many, November 11. 1833, and was the daughter of Joakim and Magdalena (Nicholas) Fillers, both natives of Holstein. She came to this country with the family in 1851, leaving Hamburg in the fall, and reaching St. Louis, Mo., in January, 1852. They settled at Bunker Hill, and there the parents lived and died, both having attained an age of three-score years. They were members of the Lu- theran Church. Our subject's wife. Mrs. Bauer, is one of eight children, live of whom are yet living. She was the eldest of her mother's children and was a young woman when they emigrated from their native land to America Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are the parents of eight chil- dren, two of whom are deceased, Albert E. and Marie. The former died after his marriage in California, leaving a widow and two children. Marie died at the birth of her first child in Tipton, Mo., after her marriage with Esquire Redman. The living children are Matilda. Henry II., Frank- lin I". . Otto F. and Bertha L. Matilda is the wife of Charles F. Weidner, a farmer in Brighton Township; Henry took to wife Frances Weidner; they are residing on a farm in Gillespie Township. The younger children are still attendants at school, being students in the State University at Cham- paign. Mr. Bauer has given his children all the educational advantages that money could procure, a, id they have received the best finishing courses in St. Louis. Our subject and his wife were reared in the Lu- theran Church, but at present hold to no creed. The gentleman takes a lively interest in local poli- tics. He has been elected Supervisor, which posi- tion he has held for some years, and has also satisfactorily discharged the duties of several other offices. He casts his vote with the Republican party. Mr. Bauer is a fine illustration of the better German element, who come to this country to build up a fortune in agricultural pursuits. Moth he and his wife are kind, hospitable and intelligent people, and their children are bright and highly educated. MC^E RS. ELIZABETH C. O'NEAL. The ex- cellent lady who forms the subject of this sketch is one of the most highly valued members of society in North Palmyra Township. She is a woman of more than ordi- nary executive ability and is successfully conduct- ing the affairs of her farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which is in a high state of cultiva- tion and carries upon it good improvements. Her father. Matthias Crum, and her mother, Margaret (Spangler) Crum, were born in Virginia and Ken- tucky respectively. After marriage they came to Illinois in an early day. and lived in Morgan County until their death. They ban fifteen chil- dren, of whom Mrs. O'Neal was one of the younger members, and they brought up these children to be industrious and economical and to do their duty as citizens and members of society. Elizabeth Crum was born in Clarke Count)', lnd., January 13. 1815. She came to Morgan 788 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. County, 111., in her girlhood and was there mar- ried September 8. 1836. to Lewis L. O'Neal, son of Lewis and Nancy O'Neal. Lewis L. was horn in Bourbon County, Ky., August 27. 1810. After marriage the young couple settled in Morgan County, which they made their home until the spring of 1837, when they came to North Palmyra Township and settled on section 34, where he died March 23, 18:. I. Mrs. O'Neal is the mother of six children: Matthias, who died in North Palmyra Township at the age of forty-six years; Sarah, who is the wife of Robert Tucker; Mary M., who is the wife of John C. Gibbs, of whom the reader will find a sketch in this Record; -lane E., who is now the wife of William C. Terry, to whom she wis united in marriage June 12. 1888. Florence and Lewis, who died in infancy. Matthias was mariied to Miss Emma R. Wiley and died August 22. 1883, leaving two children — Lewis II. and Rollo M. Since the death of Mr. O'Neal hi- widow has car- ried on the affairs of the homestead, and after edu- cating her children and starting them out in the world, she devoted her energies to conducting tin' business of the farm. i:i which she lias been emi- nently successful. Ml LCIAN C. M. CLOWER. The owner of the farm located on section 33, Shipman present resides, he has remained here almost con- tinuously since the time of his advent. Our subject was married in Shipman Township, April 18, 1854, to Miss Ann Tompkins, who was a native of New Jersey. Mr. Clower and his amia- ble wife are the parents of seven children, who are: George, William, Eva, John, Edward, Annie and Edna. The eldest son was married early in life to Miss Fannie Roady; William chose as his wife Ella Deabl; Eva is the wife of Charles Hills; John married Miss Phebe Huckelbridge. Edward mar- ried Lillian Wilton, of Medora. The children are all bright and interesting, being potent factors in the township as men and women of energy and intelligence. Out subject has always followed the calling of agriculture having made a decided success therein. He has creeled a good set of buildings on his farm and the improvements placed upon it speak well for the man. did we not know anything else in his favor. He has now two hundred and forty acres, lie has been elected to the office of School Trustee, which position he has filled for some time to the satisfaction of his constituents and the honor of the district. The platform of the Republican party is the one that appeals most strenuously to Mr. Clower's sense of the intelligent government of a great land. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, of which they are generous supporters. The parents of Mr. Clower were William and Re- becca (Howell) Clower, natives of New Jersey. ^ Township, is he whose name is at the head The father died April 4, 1891, having reached the of this sketch, lie was horn in New Jersey, De- cember 6, 1830. and when quite young he accom- panied his parents to Ohio, where |.e lived until he was twenty years of age. During this time he remained on a farm, receiving a practical training in agricultural pursuits. His early opportunities in an educational way were those of country hoys in Ohio, which has a reputation for its district schools. In 1850 Mr. Clower came to Jersey County and lived there nearly three yeans. Thence he removed to Sangamon County where he sojourned until the spring of 1801, the date of his removal to Macou- pin County. Settling in the township where he at advanced age of eighty-nine years. The mother died in Christian County, this State. Mrs. Lucian Clower's father was William Tompkins, a native of Morris County, N. J., and her paternal grand- father was NatL.iniel Tompkins, also a native of New Jersey, who passed away from this life in Shipman County in May, 1800. Her mother was Rebecca Vaughn, born in Mercer County, N. J., January 14,1814, and the daughter of John Vaughn, who died in Shipman Township in February, 1801. Mrs. Clower belougs to a family the members of which lived to almost a patriarchal age. Her father died in Shipman Township, January 28, 1890. Her mother itill survives at an advanced age. Mrs. RESIDENCE OF I. N. JOHNSTON, 5EC.7.,N0RTH OTTER TP,MACOUPIN CO., ILL. ads, Tupelo, Mi--., tiie siege and capture of Ft. Blake- ley. A. a., and Nashville. Tenn.. December 16 and 17, 186 I. Upon the return of peace he came home tu Ninth Otter Township, aud there resumed farm- ing, in which he ha- In en engaged from thai day to this. His farm is a beautiful tract of one hund- red ami forty acres, richly cultivated: upon it have been placed excellent buildings and a pleasant home, a view of which appears on another page. The marriage of Mi'. Johnston to Miss Emily F. Chapman, a daughter of the late John Chapman of Tenn., of-enned October 17. 1867. The mother of Mrs. Ji'hnVton. Charity C. Richards, was a Virgrln- ian by birth, aud was united in marriage with Mr. Chapman in Tennessee Thence they removed to this State in 1828, making their first home in Greene County. In March. 1830, they came to Macoupin County, and settled in North Otter Township, where they continued to live until the death of Mr. Chapman, which took place Dec- ember 26. 1890. His farm was known far and wide as Chapman's Point. His bereaved widow is still living and of her large family of fourteen children, Mrs. Johnston was the twelfth. She was born in North otter Township, December 22, 1850, and was there reared to womanhood on her father's farm. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are the parents of nine children who are named as follows: Eva, Elizabeth C. John B., Lewis 1.. Nathan, Jes.se 15., Charles E., Dan. and Archie. John and Lewis died in in- fancy. The niii-l afflicting blow which has fallen upon this affectionate family was the sudden death of Charles F., who was struck by lightning June 1. 1890, while standing in the door of the bam, and was instantly killed. He was in the eleventh year of his age, a bright and promising lad, and one 792 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. whose affectionate qualities had endeared him greatly to all his friends. The bereaved parents feel keenly this loss and can never cease to mourn for the dear child who was taken from them so un- expectedly. This affliction has rendered them even more than before tenderly watchful over their children and solicitous to do all for them that par- ents can do for their dear ones. In the field of politics Mr. Johnston is an inter- ested though quiet actor. He is not an office-seeker but has accepted at the hands of his fellow-citizens the office of School Trustee. lie fully endorses the doctrines of the Democratic party and works for the success of that organization. He is a prom- inent member of the John Baird Post. No. 285 ^£&&<^^ ffiOHN LANCASTER. The fruit bell of Southern Illinois lias encouraged many who have generally engaged in ordinary farming and stock-raising to make a specialty of both large and small fruits. This has been the ease with the prosperous man whose name appeal sat the head of this paragraph. He has a large and select variety of fruit and is intelligent and successful in regard to its cultivation. He is also largely engaged in farming and stock-raising operations and buys a good deal of stock to feed. His fine farm on sec- tion 10. of Bunker Hill Township, comprises three hundred and fifteen acres, all of which is highly improved and furnished with excellent farm build- ings. This property our subject has owned and oper- ated for some eight years past, and has been a successful farmer ever since be became of age. He makes a specialty of high-grade cattle, sheep and swine. Polled Angus cattle are his favorites and he is interested in a sheep ranch in Sutton County, Te±., where they keep, all the time, fully ten thou- sand mutton sheep which they feed upon some- thing like a hundred thousand acres of land. Mr. Lancaster is a thorough business man and one of the most energetic and enterprising citizens in this county. His home is in his native town- ship, and his birth occurred .January 13, 1854. He is the youngest child of Francis Lancaster, whose biography will be found elsewhere in this volume. The boy's early education was received in the common scl Is of the county and he studied the higher branches in the state Normal School at Normal. HI. This young man was married in this township to Miss Emma Parmcnter, a native of the same town- ship, being born here in August, 1 So2. Her par- ents. Charles and Mary (Barnes) l'armenter, were natives of New England, who came to Illinois at an early day. They settled on a farm in this township and improved it, and spent many years here. The mother died at this home in 1881, being then past seventy-one years of age. Mr. l'armenter is yet living with his sou in Bunker Hill and is eighty-four years of age. Mrs. Lancaster is the youngest but one of -even children of her parental home. She was reared and entirely educated in Bunker Hill Township, and lived at home until her marriage June 23, 1875. Seven children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Lancaster, and bit two of them have been called away from earth. These two are Clara G., and Arthur. Those who are now living are Ernest, Marian, Harry, Mira C, and Willie. 'These children are all being brought up in the faith and practice of the Christian religion as their parents are earnest and faithful members of the Congregational Church. They are among the most progressive and intelligent people of the county and are active promoters of every movement which in their judgment is calculated to improve the social and indusl rial conditions of the community. 'The platform of the Republican party embodies the political views with which Mr. Lancaster is in hearty accord. 1LLIAM STORY. It is with ever fn- « felLLIAM si \ / creasing in V V that we trac terest, as the years go by, ace the story of the earl}- set- tlers of the Prairie state and more and more we feel that to visit the home of one of those pioneers is a pilgrimage to a shrine which well repays us for the effort involved. Among those who are thus worthy of our interest and attention is the 794 PORTRAIT AM) BIOG RAPH ICAL RECORD. mother of our subject. Her maiden name was Harriet Hettick, and she was born in Fayette County, Oliio. April 7, 1811, a daughter of Andrew and Mary Hettick. In those early days when she first came to Illinois manufactured goods were al- most unknown among the farmers and this worthy woman used to card, spin and weave, wool, flax and cotton for the homespun clothes in which she ar- rayed both herself and her children. She is still living and enjoys a fair degree of health and is in full possession of her mental faculties. She is <> te of the very oldest settlers of Macoupin County, now living, and is well known throughout the county and highly respected. The subject of this sketch was born in Barr Township, this county, May <;. 1842. His father who also bore the name of William Story was a na tive of Alabama as was Hie grandfather, James Story. The latter removed from Alabama loTi n- nessec and after a few years' residence there came to Illinois, and settled upon a faun in Morgan County. He resided there until his death. The father of our subject was five years old when his parents removed to Tennessee and he came from there to Illinois with them when they made that journey. They traveled by team and brought with them all their earthly possessions. His mar- riage in ls.'U gave him the brave and worthy help- mate of whom we have already spoken, lie entered a tract of farming land in Barr Township and there built the log bouse in which they made their happy home and where the subject, of this notice was born. This worthy pioneer rived boards to cover the roof of his house and split lumber fur the floor, building the chimney of sticks and mud. At that time deer and other kinds of game abounded and the prairies of Illinois were indeed a wilderness, although a fair ami fertile one. The hardships of pioneer life were cheerfully undergone by this esti- mable and brave couple. They lived at this old homestead until 1845 at which time they sold it and hought the place where the family now resides and here the father died. February 15, 1366 in the fifty-fifth year of his age. William Stmy was reared upon the farm and at- tended the pioneer schools which were taught in the log sehdolhouse which was no more elegant in its construction than the homes of its patrons. It had a stick and mud chimney, slab benches without backs, and a notable lack of desks. The marriage of the young man took place August 15, 1872, his bride being Emma Frances Anderson. She was born in Morgan County, 111., and was a daughter of John and Melvina Anderson. She passed away from earth April 25, 1887, leaving four children, Edward, Evert, Hattie and .les>ie. '■ » ^ JfS^ ENRY MORRISON, who follows general \ farming on section 12. Hilyard Township, *y% was born in County Deny. Ireland, on the (<£) 7th of June, 1808, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. The family have for several generations been farmers, and the father of our subject also engaged in that pursuit. His parents were mem- .be.r^if the Presbyterian Church and spent their "Tmtire lives in the land of their nativity. Our subject is the eldest son of the family and in the usual manic r of fanner lids he was reared to manhood, while in the common schools his edu- cation was acquired. After he had attained to years of maturity he cln.se :is a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Martha Taylor, who was born and reared in the same county as her husband, and like him i< of Scotch-Irish line- age, her people also being Protestants. She is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Mclntire) Tay- lor, who lived and died on the old bomestead in the Emerald Isle when well advanced in years. In their family were five children, two sons and three daughters, of whom the sons and one daughter are vet living in Ireland, while the two other daugh- ters came to this country — Mrs. Morrison, who is second in order of birth; and one who died in Illi- nois. Accompanied by his family, Henry Morrison bade good-hy to his old home and took passage on a sailing-vessel in 1x15. which after six weeks and three days dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. They spent one year in the Empire State and then came on to Illlinois, since which time UBRARY op m '^&2^p PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 797 they have resided on the farm which is still their home. Two children were horn unto them in their native land and the family circle has heen increased by the birth <>f six in this country. George is represented elsewhere in this volume; Joseph aids in the operation of the home farm, and is a wide-awake and enterprising young tanner of Sterling worth ; Henry, who wedded Hester Cline, is living on a farm in llilyard Township; Mar- garet is the wife of .lames Howard, who is en- gaged in farming in St. Clair County, Mo.; Ellen wedded George Calloway, who is engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in llilyard Township; Rebecca is at home; Robert married .lane Donahue and is living on a farm in llilyard Township; and Daniel died at the age of six years. The parents of this family are members of tiie Presbyterian Chinch and in the social world they hold an enviable position, their friends throughout the community being . many. In connection with his brother .lames. Henry Morrison owns about three hundred acres of highly improved laud and his son Joseph owns a valuable quarter-section in another pact of the township. The greater part of this is all under cultivation, and upon section 12 Mr. Morrison has resided for some forty-three years. At that time he arrived in the county and has since made his home oil what is mm so well known as the Mor- rison Farm. It is one of the largest farms in the community and its highly Cultivated and improved condition indicates tiie care of a manager who fully understands his business and numbers among his characteristics thrift and enterprise. : -sn>= \~i - ■Ih •*^"^ e - -.i.-o^-. JOSEPH 15. LISTON, a well-known and es teemed resident of the city of Carlinville, is a native-born citizen of this county, and (^// is prominently identified with its principal interests and is an extensive farmer and raiser of fine stock, especially horses, and a manufacturer of brick and tile. He is a son of Joseph Liston, a pioneer of this section of the State, and was bom on his father's farm on section 30, near Palmyra, August 111. 1838. The father of our subject was a native of Ken- tucky, the place of his birth in Marion County, and the date thereof September 25, 1803. He was a son of George Liston. who was born in Virginia and early became a pioneer of Marion County, Kv. He bought a tract of land in the primeval forests of that section, and made his home there until he died in 1806. His wife and one child died within six weeks of his demise. By that sad event two children were left orphans. The daughter, Polly, married George McCune, and they settled in Pope County, Ark., where both died. The father of our subject was reared by his ma- ternal uncle in Marion County until he was thir- teen years old, and was then apprenticed to learn the trade of saddle-maker, serving an apprentice ship of seven years and nine months, and receiving his board and clothes. He followed that trade in different places in Kentucky until 1835, when he came to Illinois with his wife and two children. They made their way over land to Louisville, where they embarked on a steamer for Alton. The fam- ily resided with his brother-in-law a few months, and during the summer he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, one hundred and twenty of which was on section 30, of what is now North Pahnyia Township, and the remainder on section 6, of South Palmyra Township. He was at that time the possessor of $270 in cash, his entire cap- ital, but he was energetic and industrious, and in course of years developed a fine farm. He first erected a log cabin on section 30, riving the boards to cover the roof anil splitting puncheon to make the floor, and putting up a mud and stick chimney. He lived to see the country grow from a wilder- ness with but few scattered habitations to a popu- lous and thriving county, where the fine townships of Palmyra, Girard and Yirden now stand; it was then open prairie, over which wild game roamed and deer were to be seen in large droves. He helped to bring the wonderful change about, and at his death 798 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. January, 1877, left behind him a worthy reputa- tion as a pioneer, and as an honored citizen. The maiden name of his wife was Martha Bland, and she was born in Marion County, Ky., February 17, 1807. Her father was a native of Virginia, and a pioneer of Marion County, where he spent his last years. The mother of our subject died one year before her husband, January 25, 1876. They had a family of seven children, named as follows— George B., Sarah A., John T., Joseph B., Susan M., William T. and Albert M. Joseph and Albert are the only survivors, the latter now owning and oc- cupying the old homestead. As his boyhood was passed on a farm our sub- ject early gained a knowledge of agriculture. He was given the benefit of a liberal education, the pre- liminaries of which lie gained in the pioneer schools of this county. He subsequently pursued a good course of study at the University at Virginia, Cass County, and later taught two terms in his home dis- trict. When twenty -one years of age he was ap- pointed Deputy Sheriff, and served nearly three years. He then farmed four years. But his record as Deputy Sheriff was before the public, and he had shown himself to be so capable an official in that capacity, that, in 1866 his fellow-citizens wisely selected him to fill the responsible office of Sheriff of the County. He removed to Carlinville to assume the duties of his position, and has since made his home here. Mr. Liston still retains his interest in agricultu- ral pursuits, and owns several hundred acres of land in this county, which is as fine farming land as any in the State of Illinois. In 1883 Mr. Liston and Mr. Zachariah Harris entered into a partnership for the purpose of manufacturing tile and brick in this county. They are still carrying on the business, and have won a high reputation for the superiority of their manufacture, as well as a large trade. The marriage of Mr. Liston to Miss Lucretia Dick took place November 7, 1867. Mrs. Liston is a native of Sangamon Couuty, this State, and a daughter of Daniel and Susan Dick. Our subject and his amiable wife are people of high standing in the community, and their charming home is the seat of a pleasant hospitality which is cordially ex- tended to all that cross their threshold by the kindly hostess and genial host. Fraternally, Mr. Liston is connected with Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M.; Macoupin Chapter, No. 187, R. A. M.; Carlinville Council, No. 69, R. & S. M. and with Belvidere Comraandery, No. 2, K. T., of Al- ton. A lithographic portrait of Mr. Liston accom- panies this sketch. ^Jt rOCST SIEVERS, one of the leading and (^HCJIj influential citizens of Staunton, who for l!> many years was prominently connected with its business interests, but is now liv- ing a retired life, came to Illinois from New York, whither he had arrived from Germany, his native land, lie was born September 22. 1823, in the province of Brunswick, and is a son of August Sievers. Sr., a small German rainier who grew to manhood in his native land, and married Will- helmina Beinling. Two of their children came to America in 1849, and the following year with the others members of the family they crossed the Atlantic and came on to Illinois. In the Empire State they were joined by our subject and Henry, and in Olive Township, Madison County, the fa- ther secured his first eighty acres of land. The mother was not long permitted to enjoy her new home, her death occurring in 1851, after which Mr. Sievers made his home with his children. He died near Staunton in 1881, at the age of eighty years, and both he and his wife were members of the German Lutheran Church. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of six children. In the Fatherland the days of his boy- hood and youth were passed, and he learned the trade of a mechanic. Believing that he could bet- ter his financial condition by so doing, he emigrated to the United States when twenty six years of age. In the autumn of 1849, accompanied by his brother Henry, be took passage on a sailing-vessel at Brem- men, and after sixty days speni upon the bosom of the Atlantic, set foot on American soil. Going to New Jersey, the brothers secured positions as farm PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 799 laborers, working thus until the arrival of their par- ents in this country. They then came to Illinois. August Nk'vers began his life in the West as a farmer in 18G7. purchased a tract of land in Staunton Township which he increased in extent until ii now comprises two hundred and sixty-five acres. His a valuable tract under a high state of cultivation and well improved and in addition he owns one hundred acres of timber land, lie resided thereon for a number of years and by industry and close atten- tion to his business acquired a good capital, becom- ing one of the successful and substantial farmers of the community. There being evidences of coal upon his land in 1876 he sunk a shaft, the first in that locality. As a partner in this enterprise, he was associated with his brother-in-law, Fred Maxe. and they operated the mine or. a small scale until 1880. when in connection with Mr. Voge, Mr. Mo- vers sank a shaft, now known as No. 6, near the depot. At that time it had an output of twenty cars per day. In 1882, they sold to the Elsworth Coal Company who worked it until 1888, when it became the property of the Consolidated Coal Com- pany. It now yields an average of sixty car loads daily, and is the best mine in this part of the State on the Wabash line. In the meantime Mr. .Sievers embarked in general merchandising, built up an excellent trade which forced him to largely in- crease his stock, and in 1886 he erected a fine store building. Two years later he sold out to his son, who had been associated with him for some time, and A. G. Schnaare, since which time he has lived a retired life. As a companion on life's journey, Mr. Sicveis chose Miss Louisa Miller, and their marriage was celebrated in Madison County, 111. The lady was born in the same locality as her husband in 1882, and alone she crossed the water to America in 1853. Her patents lived and died in Germany, her father passing away in middle life, but her mother reached an advanced age. Mrs. Sievers has proved a true helpmate to her husband, and his success in life is due in no small degree to her able assistance and encouragement. Unto them has been born one son, August IL, who is one of the leading and wide- awake business men of Staunton. He was for two years chief clerk of shaft No. 6, and later was as- sociated in business with his uncle, U. Swenker. This partnership existed for about three years, whin he became connected with the linn of .lones. Newman \ Co.. and to their business be devoted his energies until with his father he aided in estab- lishing one of the leading business houses in this place. The building which was erected in 1886, is situated on East Main Street, is two stories high with a basement and the dimensions are 48x60 feet. It is arranged as a double store, being divided into ' two rooms of equal size, one of which is occupied with groceries, the other being well filled with a good line of furnishing goods, boots and shoes and dry goods. When the father retired, She son formed a partnership with Mr. Schnaare, and he lias a reputation of being one of the wide-awake and leading young business men of the place, lie married Minnie Voge, and they reside in Staunton, where they are widely and favorable known. In social circles they figure prominently, and their friends are many. August Sievers, Sr., and his estimable wife are likewise held in high regard for their sterling worth. Their upright, lives have won then the confidence and good-will of all. and none are more worthy of a representation in this volume. ILLIAM NIEMEYER. In Ml. Olive there reside a few men who have been the found- ers and builders of that thriving, enterpris- ing town and one of these is the subject of our sketch, who is a member of the well-known firm of Keiser-Nieineycr Mercantile Co. He is by birth a German, a native of Holzfeld. Prussia, where he was born July 5, 181"). He comes of a long line of German ancestry and for four generations the family have occupied the homestead on which he first saw the light of day. The great-grandfather was a soldier in the Thirty Years' War. The grand- father. Jurgen Niemeyer, spent his entire life in llol/.feld as a farmer, "lying at a ripe old age. He married a lady of that country and they are now sleeping side by side in the cemetery near their old home. They were followers of the faith advocated 800 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. by Martin Luther. The father of our subject, F. William Niemeyer, was reared as a farmer and succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead, upon which ho died at the age of forty-seven years. He married Miss C. M. Meddewag, who also came of a good German family and died in her native province at the age of thirty-eight. In politics the Niemeyers were always with the Conservative party, being loyal to the crown, and were members of the Lutheran Church. In their family were five children of whom our subject is the eldest one liv- ing. He was also the first to come to America, nor did any others of the family cross the water until he returned on a visit to his old home in L883,when he brought back with him his brother and sister, August and Minnie, who have since lived in Mt. Olive and are yet, single. Another brother, Henry, is married and lives in the Father- land. The eldest son, also William, died in infancy. When he had almost arrived at years of matur- ity, William Niemeyer bade adieu to family and friends and upon the sailing vessel "St, '11a.'' crossed the Atlantic, reaching New York after a voyage of fifty-six days, lie then came to St. Louis where he arrived without means. As he had to have money to provide for his support he could not be very choice as to the occupation in which he en- gaged, and accepted a position as teamster in St. Louis. It was a low and rough class of people who were engaged in that work and he said it was otic of tin hardest experiences ol his life. He had to bear the jeers and scoffs of a class who to-day would gladly do him honor. However, this work afforded him a means of sustenance and he labored on for a year that he might there get a start in life. On leaving St. Louis he came to Mt. Olive and worked upon the farm of John C. Nieman. proving himself a worthy and valuable employe. He remained in that service for three years and found in his employer a benefactor. In the meantime, between Mr. Niemeyer and Mr. Nieman's daughter Sophia there sprang up an attachment, and on the 29th of April, 186'.», their union of hearts was consummated by the union of hands. They have since lived and labored to- gether in perfect unity and are now enjoying a home which is a model of beauty and comfort. This palatial residence wrs designed by a St. Louis architect and is built in the most modern style, bring supplied with hot and cold water throughout, heated by furnace and supplied with everything which will add to the pleasure and happiness of the inmates. The home has also been brightened by the presence of their three interesting and intelligent, children, Edward, Emil and Juliet. They also lost one child, William, who died in infancy. Mrs. Nie- meyer presides over her home with a grace and dignity which indicate a true lady, and her hospi- tality is extended to very many friends. Loth Mr. and Mrs. Niemeyer are consistent members and active workers in the Lutheran Church and their social status is high. When our subject left the employ of his father- in-law he became a clerk in the establishment of which he is now one of the proprietors. lie has been connected with the firm since 1873 and is re- garded as one of the leading business men of Mt. Olive. The firm controls several hundred thousand dollars worth of business annually and represents by far the largest portion of the entire business interests of the town. They also have many other interests elsewhere in the county and State and for push and enterprise they cannot be surpassed. Every branch of business is represented by them with the exception of drugs and lumber, and all this is the outgrowth of a small general store. Almost everything which Mr. Niemeyer has deter- mined to turn to account as a money making ven- ture has proved successful and he litis worked his way upward from an humble position to one of wealth. His good judgment has served him instead of capital with which to begin life :vv\ with his profits he has made judicious investments in real estate, having large landed property in Em melt County, Iowa, and in Arkansas. Studying the wants of his customers and earnestly desiring to please his patrons lie has by fair dealings and gen- ial manner built up his fine trade. A warm hearted, generous man, he gives liberally of his means to all worthy interests, especially those calculated to promote the general welfare, and to the needy his aid is always cheerfully extended. By nature he is jovial and genial, full of life and merriment and is therefore a most pleasant companion. Few if PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. &01 any in the county can number more friends Iban Mr. Niemeyer. In politics be is a stanch Repub- lican but his business has so engrossed his attention that be has never found time to devote to political affairs. - : j g^j^c : ■ W MONTJOY DORSEY, a retired farmer residing in Hunker Hill, deserves represen- tation in this volume from the fact that he is one of the leading citizens of the county and also because he is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families. His father, Elias Dorsey. was born in Maryland as were also bis grandpar- ents. Edward Dorsey. father of Elias, died when the son was quite young and the mother afterward re- moved to Kentucky, where she became the wife of John Williamson. She made her home in Jefferson County, that State until her death. Elias Dorsey, when quite young accompanied his widowed mother to Kentucky, settling upon a farm, where he made his home until after Mrs. Dorsey's second marriage, when at the age of seventeen years he enlisted in the War of 1812, under Col. Richard Booker, serving throughout the struggle, lie with his regiment marched to New Orleans but arrived at that place just after Gen. Jackson had come off conqueror in the '-tearless battle." When the war was over he returned with his Colonel to Shelby County. Ky.. and married the daughter of his com- manding fficcr. Miss Martha R. Booker, who was born and reared in that county. Her parents were both natives of Virginia, whence in an early day, they emigrated to Kentucky, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The Colonel was a brave man who faithfully served his country well. After their marriage Elias Dorsey and his wife took up their residence on a farm in Jefferson County, Ky.. but the lady died about 1835. Her husband was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Sally Williamson, a native of Baltimore, Md„ and the widow of Commodore Williamson, of the Tinted States Navy. Mr. Dorsey also survived his second wife and in 18GG came to Illinois, mak- ing his home with his daughter, Mrs. Edward Win- chester, of Bunker Hill, until his death, which occurred March 2, 1872. at the age of seventy-six years. He was a hard working man and by his in- dustry and perseverance became quite wealthy, owning at one time Several thousand acres of land, the greater part of which he bequeathed to his chil- dren, before his death. His honesty and integrity was proverbial and the greatest confidence was manifested in Mr. Dorsey by all who knew him. ! His life is a grand example of what can be accom- plished through honest industry, perseverance and good management. He was outspoken in defense I of the right; neither fear nor favor could keep him silent. He was devoted to his country and its cause and on one occasion when being asked why he did not accept a Government contract offered him he replied in his usual emphatic manner that if he should do so and act honestly as a patriot the profits would be too small for the trouble and he did not intend to defraud his country. This speech serves as an index to his whole life. In politics he was a Jackson Democrat. He was identified with j no religious organization but believed in doing right for right's sake. One of nature's noblemen, no death in the commui ity has been more sincerely mourned. W. Mont joy Dorsey, whose name heads this sketch, was born on the old homestead in Jefferson County, Ky., October 11, 1823, and is the sixth in the family of thirteen children, numbering nine sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to ma- ture years, while eleven were married anil six are yet living. Our subject was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and attained his majority in his native county. lie was yet a single man when he came to Bunker Hill, and married Miss Hen- rietta C. Green, who was born in Sing Sing. Wi'St- chester County, N. Y., August 4, 1828. Her par- ents. Capt. Stephen and Letitia (Quick) Green, were also natives of Westchester County and be- longed to families of good standing in the Empire State. Samuel Green, the father of the Captain, was a relative of Gen. Green, of Revolutionary fa He and the family was connected with the Society of Friends. The Quick family is of French origin. Samuel Green and his wife both lived to a very ad- vanced age, the former being quite old at the time of his death and the latter was in her ninety-ninth 802 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. year. They died in the county of their nativity, where they. had lived during the Revolutionary War. aud their old home is still standing. The families on both sides are very aristocratic in the true meaning of the word, their members being people of pure character and temperate habits, many of whom attained to positions of distinction. Stephen Green was one of a large family and in Westchester County, N. Y., was reared to manhood upon a farm. He followed the sea for many years and arose to the rank of Captain of a coasting ves- sel plying around the Atlantic Coast. On account of ill-health he was at length forced to abandon that pursuit and in 1836 emigrated with his family to Illinois, settling at what is now Shipman, but then not a building stood upon the site of the town. Capt. Green's home was one of the first white settlements made in that section Mid all around him stretched miles of unbroken prairie, lie entered his land from the Government, began to make improvements and developed a good farm upon which he made his home until his death, which occurred March 10, IS.") I. The county lost one of its best citizens who was revered for his uprightness and his sterling worth, lie took no active part in public life and though often so- licited by the Whig party to become ;i candidate for positions of honor and trust, he always declined, preferring to devote his entire attention to his busi- ness interests and the enjoyment of his home life. The death of his wife occurred in Shipman a few years prior to his decease, she being fifty-four years of age when called to her final rest. Unto Captain and Mrs. Green were born thirteen children, of whom seven, three sons and four daughters are yet living, the eldest being eighty- four years of age. The family possess an unusual amount of vitality and are noted for longevity. Mrs. Dorsey was carefully reared by her worthy parents and is a refined and accomplished lady, possessed of many virtues and fine womanly quali- ties. She retains all the aristocratic characteristics of her people and like them is reserved and justly proud of her family record. By her marriage five children have been born but only two are n"ow liv- ing. Lucy, the elder, is the wife of Joseph S. Hayes, a resident farmer of Dorchester Township; and Howell M., who wedded Christina Stookey, resides in Gillespie, being also a farmer by occupa tion. The children now deceased are Robert Hornsby. William Booker and Frances Cordelia. Mr. Dorsey, his wife and daughters are members of the Episcopal Church and in politics he is a stanch Democrat. Our subject is one of the large landowners in Macoupin County, Jiis possessions aggregating more than one thousand acres. He has won the greater part of his fortune since coming to this county in 1847. He first settled in Gillespie Township, living for a time with his brother and then removed to his own lands, which were en- tirely des' ituie of improvement when he became the owner. He was an enterprising and successful farmer and as his financial resources were in- creased he judiciously increased the amount of his acreage. He continued to reside on his farm in Gillespie Township until March, 1867, when he re- moved to Bunker Hill, where he has since made his home. There is little of the land of which he is now proprietor but what is tinder cultivation, lying in Dorchester, Staunton and Gillespie Townships, the most being in Gillespie Township, about two miles from the village of that name. Few men arc more widely known than Mr. Dorsey and none more fa- vorably so. His long residence in this community, covering a period of forty-four years, numbers him among the early settlers. '*?$$'&*'• JACOB D. WAGNER, who resides on sec- tion 4, Gillespie Township, is one of the oldest native born citizens of Illinois. He (®/i was born within two and a half miles of Up- per Alton, in Madison County, October 2!), 1814, and is a son of Peter Wagner, a native of Virginia, who there grew to manhood. For two and a half years he served in the War of 1812, and after he had fought through many holly contested battles he was honorably discharged, having never re- ceived a wound. When still a single man became to Illinois but afterward returned to his old home rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sn:i and married a Virginian lady, .Miss Elizabeth Deck. Their wedding tour consisted of a trip to Illinois in 1813, and they began their domestic life near Alton, between the forks of the Wood River, where Mr. Wagner secured from the Spanish claim one hundred and sixty acres of land. On that farm our subject was born and the family resided until he was twenty years of age, when in 1834, parents and children came to Macoupin County, where the father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, eighty of which was prairie and eighty a timber tract. 'This farm was situated not far from Prairie View, and there the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Wagner dying at the age of sixty-three years, his wife in the fifty- fourth year of her age. They had lived to see this section of this country improved and developed to a great extent. When they first came to Macoupin County, but two settlements had been made on the prairie for miles around them, those being the homes of John Hilyard and .lames Gray. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner were people of worth and ability, highly respected by all who knew them and when called to their final icst many warm friends mourned their death. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of thir- teen children, ten of whom grew to mature years, while five are yet living, three being residents of this county. Jacob was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life and the occupation at .•■hicli he la- bored during bis boyhood he has followed through his mature years. The first land which he owned consisted of an eighty-acre tract, which he entered from the Government in Hilyard Township, near Plainview. He further completed his arrangements for a home by his marriage with Miss Lucinda Mc- Donald, the wedding taking place in the vicinity of his childhood home. The lady was born in White County, Tenn., in 181C, and is a grand- daughter of John McDonald, who came to this country from Scotland as a soldier in the British Army during the Revolutionary War. He never returned to his native land, but made a settlement in this country and died, it is thought, in Tennes- see. David McDonald, father of Mrs. Wagner, lived in Tennessee for many years and finally came to Illinois, settling in Madison County during its pioneer days. Subsequently he came to Macoupin County and afterward he and his wife removed to Dent County, Mo., where they both passed away when well advanced in years. The mother of Mrs. Wagner, was in her maidenhood Miss Jane Miller, of Tennessee. Our subject and his wife began their domestic life upon a farm in Hilyard Township, but after the birth of their first child they removed to Jef- ferson County, where he purchased forty acres of new land and began the development of the farm. They had lived at that place nine years when the death of Mrs. Wagner occurred, at the age of thir- ty-three. She was a member of the Christian Church, a most excellent lady, and at her death left five children, all of whom are yet living — Clarinda, wife of Ash Neily, of Carlinville Town- ship; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Adams, a resident farmer of Colorado; Mary A., wife of William F. Lilly, who is engaged in farming at Harvell, Mont- gomery County, III.; William, who wedded Miss Mary Gillespie, and is living in Raymond, 111.; John, who married Rosa Smith, and is a farmer of Gillespie Township Ten days after the death of his first wife Mr. Wagner left Jefferson County and returned to Macoupin County, where he has since resided. He was again married in Gillespie Town- ship, his second union being with Mrs. Gincy Hud- dlestun, nee Barney, who was horn in Craig County, Ky.. September 20, 1817, and is a (laughter of John and Sarah (Martin) Barney, In their native State, Kentucky, they were reared and married ami re- sided upon a farm until Mr. Ramey's death at the age of fifty years. His widow afterward eatne to Il- linois, settling in Gillespie Township, Macoupin County, where she died in her seventy-ninth year. She and her husband were members of the old school Baptist Church. Gincy Barney was eigh- teen years of age when sha came with her mother to Illinois and a few years later she became the wife of Joseph Huddlestun, who died in (iillespie Township in the prime of life, leaving five chil- dren, all of whom are now deceased except Newton, who resides in Raymond, 111., upon a farm. He married "Lucy Duhurst. Mr. Wagner has resided upon his present farm since the day on which President Lincoln was a 804 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. seconil time inaugurated. He owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of arable land in his home faun and eighty acres on section 7, of the same township. Everything about the place is kepi in neat order and there are good buildings, amply sufficient for the shelter of his stock. He has led a busy and useful life and as a result has acquired a comfortable competence. Since casting his first Presidential voto for Van Buren, he has supported the Democratic party, lie and his wife occupy a warm place in the hearts of many of the people who reside in this community and the high es- teem which is accorded them is but their just due. * j/_^ ENRY MILLER. One is almost led to won- \\ der at uiues if the agricultural district of Germany is not nearly depopulated for so roai y of its representatives have emigrated to this land and here made striking successes in their chosen calling. Henry Miller is one of many who has found Central Illinois a profitable place in which to cast his lines and has here made a home upon section 3, of Mt. Olive Township, at which place he has lived for a great many years. Mr. Miller has a fine farm which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land a good part of which is under cultivation. Besides this he has two hundred and seventy-eight acres of land in Montgomery County. His efforts in an agricul- tural direction have been crowned with success, and he has suceeded in amassing more than a compentcy. He is a native of Hanover, Germany, being there born January 16, 1813. He is proud of the fact that lie is of good parentage, his father and mother being worthy representatives of the best middle class of German people; they lived and died in Hanover. Our subject's early training was in the direction of farm labor, as his father was a farmer and nat- urally he assumed the duties in boyhood at his home. Later he became a laborer on a farm and when about twenty eight years old determined to start out in life for himself. He set out for Amer- ica on a sailing-vessel that left Bremen and landed in Baltimore after a voyage of several weeks. From his first landing place he went to Louisville, Ky., where he remained for three years after which he went South and spent one winter in Nevv Orleans and Memphis, Tenn. Thence he went to si. Louis, and after a few days stay at this last mentioned place he came to Macoupin County, and has since made this his hone. Mr. Miller was married in Mt. Olive Town- ship, to Miss Henrietta Stabel, who, like himself, was of German birth and parentage, having come to this country at the early age of seventeen years with a neighbor of her parents. Her parents with all their children, excepting herself, lived and died in Germany. She was a true and noble wife help- ing her husband both materially and spiritually to make a good home. She is now fifty- four years of age being born April II, 1837. Both Mr. and Mrs Miller are members of the Lutheran Church. They are the parents of thirteen children, ten sons and three daughters, who in order of birth are as fol- lows: Mary, Henry, Anna. Charles, William, Fred, August, John, Hernial, Louis, Edward, Frank and Henrietta. Of these the eldest daughter is the wife of Fred Mounke.a farmer in Montgomery County. Henry was united in marriage to Miss Lena Abe- leng, they are farmers ii. Montgomery County; Anna is the wife of Thomas Ewich and resides in Mt. Olive; Charles took to wife Miss'Doia Scwheitfegcr and lives on a farm in this township, The remaining children all reside at home. ] ONRAD E. HENSEN of the firm of Hensen Bros., a well-known resident of Virden, was ^^7 born near Hamburg. Germany, April 3, 186f>. He is a son of Frederick and Lena (Westfall) Hen sen, who were both natives of the same locality. The father of our subject learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, which lie followed in his native land until 18G8, and then with his family emigrated to America and made his new home in Geneseo, Henry County, III. There he followed his trade until 1888 and then went to Litchfield, and worked in the car shops for one year. He now makes his home with the son whose name heads this sketch. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 805 The parents of our subject reared four children, Henry, Augusta, Conrad K. and Julia. Conrad was but three years old when be came to America with his parents. He received bis education in the pub- lic schools of Geneseo. When be was a lad of fif- teen years he began work in a creamery, finding work there a portion of each year for four years. The remainder of his time he found employment in dressing poultry for the market. For three winters this young man was thus em- ployed at Mattoon, Coles County, from there going to Chicago, leaving the latter place in 1887, to en- gage in the business for himself in Yiiden, buying eggs and shipping poultry. He formed a partner- ship with his brother Henry, under the firm name of Hensen Bros. With true German frugality and caution, they commenced their business in a small way, hid have increased, it from year to year and now have branch establishments a< Litchfield, Car- linville. Palmyra and Carrollton and carry on a business of over |250,l a yea'-. In 1889 they elected a brick building in Virden, two stories in height and 34x70 feet in dimensions. The marriage of Mr. Hensen. April 10, 1889, was an event of great interest in bis life. His bride bore the maiden name of Margaret Gabel. She was born in Dorchester, Macoupin County, III., and is a lady of worth and intelligence who is a Ik companion for this enterprising and upright citi- zen. One child has crowned this union, little Charlie, who is the darling of the home. p.ATllAi\IKL ( )/' ing citizens of ATHANIEL CARRICO, one of the lead- if Honey Poinl Township, may justly be classed among the most eater- prising and successful farmeisof Macoupin County, his fine farm bearing witness to his thrift, ability and skillful management. He is now the owner of six hundred and seventy-five acres of well-im- proved land, with substantial buildings and all the modern machinery in use on a model farm, and, in fact, everything conducive to the comfort and convenience of the enlightened farmer. A native of Illinois. Mr. Carrico was born near Kane, in that part of Greene now included in Jersey County, September 9, 1883, and is the son of Nathaniel CarricO, a Kenluckian by birth. The father of the latter. Dennis Carrico, was born in Chelsea County, Mil., and was of early French an- cestry. In 1688 three brothers came to America as members of Lord Baltimore's colony, and one of these was ihe great-great-grandfal her of our subject. Dennis Carrico lived in his native Maryland until he attained manhood, and became a wheel- wright by trade. While still young he went to Pennsylvania, where he married a Miss Clark. From the Keystone State he went to Kentucky, where he remained a few years, and his next move was to St. Louis County, Mo. At that time there were but few white people living west of the Mississippi and St. Louis was but a trading pos' . He resided there some years, and then came lo Illinois in Territorial days, and became one of the early pio- neers of Greene County. He made a claim, and when the land came into the market entered it from the Government and first erected a set of lug buildings. In those days there was quite a demand for spinning wheels, and he followed his trade a part of the time, making those useful arti- cles, and the remainder devoting himself to farm ing. He finally erected a frame house on his homestead, which is still standing. His farm was located eight miles west of Kane, and there his deaili took place in 185 1 . Nathaniel Carrico. Si., was but a small boy when his parents went lo Missouri, and in that State he was reared. He came to Illinois when a young man and entered several tracts of Govern- ment land in Jersey County, ami built on the tract near Kane. There he made his home the re- mainder of his life, which was brought to a close when scarcely past its prime, his death occurring November 7. is.",.;. His wife, whose maiden name w:is Mary Brown, a native of St. Louis County. Mo., was again married, her second husband being James Cooper, she was the mother of four chil- dren by In i first marriage and eight by her sec- ond union. Her last days were passed with her children and she died in March, 1885, at an ad- vanced age. Her father. Griffith Brown, was a South- SOG PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. erner, horn either in South Carolina or Georgia. He married Sally Foster, and after that event came North and located in Missouri at a very early day of its settlement. The removal was made with packhorses, the family taking with liiem all their earthly effects. Mr. Brown improved a farm a few miles north of .St. Louis, and there dwelt until death called him hence. As we have seen, our subject is a descendant of the early pioneer stock of this State, and he grew up in his native county and under pioneer influ- ences to a stalwart, self-reliant, energetic manhood. lie continued to live in Jersey County until 1852, in the meantime (1850) visiting this county and entering two Hundred acres ol Government land on sections 1 and 12, Honey Point Township. In 1852 he went to Iowa and resided there with an uncle until 1854, when he came to Honey Point Township, and since that time has been a valued resident of this part of the county, active in de- veloping its agriculture and a potent factor in its prosperity. In the management of his affairs he has displayed more than ordinary acumen ami business ability, and has gathered together a valu- able property, the possession of which entitles him to a place among tha most extensive landholders of the township. He has a clear, vigorous mind of his own, and exercises his right to maintain his own opinions on subjects in which he is interested, and thus we find him a strong supporter of the policy of the Republican party. In 1856 Mr. Carrico was married to Miss Jane Mitchell, a native of Brushy Mound Township, and a daughter of Elijah and Jane (Moore) Mitch- ell. After a happy wedded life of more than twenty years Mrs. Carrico died in 1879. The fol- lowing are the names of the children born of that marriage: Mary Elizabeth, the wife of (George W.Drake; Nacy A., deceased: Margaret J.; Na- thaniel and Laura, both deceased; John G., Lula, Jessie S., deceased; George B., Martha, Nora; and Phoebe M., deceased. The union of Mr. Carrico and his present amiable wife was celebrated in 1886, and the bride on this interesting occasion was Mrs. Virginia B. (Decker) Williams. By her first marriage Mrs. Carrico became the mother of two children — Mary E. G. and Albert G. G. Three children have been born to her and Mr. Car- rico, and they have been named Virginia B., Dot- tie and Frances A. The various members of the family are highly esteemed and are well known both in the business and social world. ON. CHARLES A. WALKER, of Carlin- ville, is a distinguished member of the bar of Macoupin County. He was born in Tennessee, four miles from Nashville, Au- gust 21, 1826. His father, Abraham S..was a native of the same State and was a son of Charles Walker, who was born in Rowan County, N. C, in 1765, of Scotch parentage. Charles Walker, the grandfather of our subject, removed to Logan County. Ky., in the early days of its settlement, and from there he subsequently went to Tennessee, of which he was one of the original settlers. While a resident of Logan County. Ky., he married Matilda Stephens, whose father, Abram, was born in England in 1870, and •came to America soon after the Revolution. He at first settled in Virginia, whence he went to Kentucky, and from tliere removed to Davidson County. Tenn., dying there at a ripe old age in 1815. Their son Abraham S., the father of ex-Senator Walker, was a gunsmith by trade. He removed from Nashville. Tenn., to Illinois in 1828. accom- panied by his wife and three children. His wife, whose maiden name was Rosina Phelps, was born on the shores of Albemarle Sound, N. C, Jan- uary, 2, 1899. She was a daughter of Joseph Phelps who was a native of North Carolina and was of Welsh descent. She died at Carlinville, February 12, 1875, having attained a venerable age. Four children, Caroline, Charles A., Tennes- see and James L.,were born to them, the last named died in his boyhood, in August, 1851. Abraham S. Walker located in Madison County, where his father-in-law, Joseph Phelps, had entered a tract of Government land where he resided until 1830, when he came to Carlinville, which was then but a small village of four or five buildings, of which one was a small frame house, the others being of logs. The only store in the place was owned by PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. M'i Mr. Plant who carried a small stock of general merchandise in the frame building. The surround- ing country was for many years sparsely settled and the inhabitants had but little communication with the outside world, as there were no railways and for some lime only a weekly mail. All kinds of game were plentiful and often furnished a wel- come addition to the sometimes scant fare of the pioneer. The father of our subject bought a tract of land at Carlinville on the south side of the public square. He erected a log house for a dwelling on the south- east corner of the square, and another building of logs for a gunsmith and blacksmith shop. He carried on the smithy until 1836, and then went into the mercantile business, buying his goods at St. Louis and transporting them with teams, taking five days to make the round trip. Mr. Walker continued in business heie until 1868, dying in March, 187;"), at the age of seventy-four. Charles A. Walker, the subject of this sketch, was two year* old when his parents brought him to their new home in Illinois. He grew with the growth of the country, witnessing its entire devel- opment from a wilderness. He attended the pio- neer schools, one of which was taught in the old Court House which was built of logs. He has in his possession the record of the school for the win- ter of 1845-46. The entire number of scholars en- rolled in Carlinville at that time was forty-two. John Frow was the teacher. After leaving the public schools our subject was a student at Nhurt- leff College. Upper Alton, until the gold fever of California broke out, when, becoming imbued with the popular excitement of the day and being fitted by a vigorous constitution to enjoy an over- land trip through a wild and unexplored country, he on the 18th of March, 1849, in company with Charles Palmer, brother of Senator Palmer, and John Keller started for the distant Eldorado. Traveling with three yoke of oxen attached to a wagon, the little party crossed the Mississippi River at St. Louis, and passing through the State of Missouri, crossed the Missouri River at Inde- pendence. They spent a few days there and then went up the north bank of the river to St. Joseph. At that time there were no white settlers except sol- diers and traders at a Government post between Missouri and Sacramento City, aside from the mis- sionarics, soldiers and Mormons at Salt Lake City. Deer, antelope and elk were plenty, and beds of buffaloes were encountered on the plains and even wild horses were occasionally seen. Mr. Walker and his companions were one hundred days in journeying from St. Joseph to Sacramento. The first winter of his stay on the Pacific Slope he en- gaged in mining near Placerville, and after that in packing provisions from Marysvillc to Feather River. In 1851 our subject returned to Illinois by way of the Isthmus, and engaged in clerking for his father until his marriage. After that event he es- tablished himself in business on his own account. In 1856 he turned his attention to the study of law in the office of Messrs. Gilbert & Rinaker, was ad- mitted to the bar in 1858. and since that time has been in active practice at Carlinville. He has made for himself a most enviable record as an ad- vocate and stands to-day among the leading mem- bers of the profession. He is distinguished by strong common sense, a keen insight into all legal questions with which he has to deal, and a clear, practical style of presenting his cases that makes him popular with judge s.nd jury. Mr. Walker is pre-eminently adroit in elucidating testimony from witnesses and in dealing with juries and men gen- erally; he has unusual discernment as to the value of evidence and an intuitive knowledge of human nature. He is happy in his domestic relations, as by his marriage, November 16, 1852, to Miss Per- melia A. Dick, a native of Sangamon County. III., and a daughter of Daniel and Susan Dick, he se- cured one of life's inestimable blessings, a good wife. Two children have been born to them — Lolah and Mae. Our subject's position, not only as one of the leading lawyers of the county but as a gentleman of culture and broad mind, liberal in his views, of generous, genial nature, has made him very influ- ential in the civic life of this part of the State. In the various high official positions that he has held he has displayed that true and disinteretesd public spirit that seeks the highest good of the com- munity, and his name is indissoliihlv linked with 808 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. much that has promoted the best interests of the city and county. In the Court [louse agitation Mr. Walker, by his outspoken views and prominent position became a leader in the opposition to the creating of a debt which would weigh the county down. In educational matters he lias always taken a deep interest, and as President of the Hoard of Education, has been potent in instituting many needed reforms in the local schools. He was au- thor of the Compulsory Education Bill and was instrumental in securing its passage when it be- came a law in the session of 1882-83. When Mr. Walker entered the arena of politics he voted with the Whig party but in 1854 he be- came a Democrat and has ever since been an able advocate of the tenets of that party. He has sen ed as Mayor of Carlinville, administering the affairs of the city with abilitj and public spirit. In the year 1862 he was elected to the Slate Legislature as Representative of his district, and in 1880 his fellow-citizens sent him to the State Senate. Sound statesmanship, devotion to the interests of his con- stituents, and an unswerving adherence to the high- est principles of honor and honesty marked bis career as a legislator. §.$$- — - & for years boasted of being the birthplace of some of our most prominent men and in- deed it is no small honor to have given to the world such men as Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Clay and Lee. There is always a satisfac- tion in associating one's self, even in a remote way with those who have accomplished so much in mak- ing our country one of the grandest that time has ever known. Our subject, who resides on section 14, North Otter Township, is a native of Virginia. His father, John Beckner, was also there born and his mother, Elizabeth (Cook) Beckner, was also a native of the old Colonial State. There they were married and settled in Botetourt County, where the father (bed. The mother followed him not many years after, passing away in Roanoke County, same State. The grandparents of our subject were John and Christens Beckner, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania. The parents of our subject had ten children, he of whom we write being the eighth. He was born July 22, 1834, in the same county in which his parents were married. Here he remained until he reached manhood, enjoying the educational advan- tages for which his native Stale has always been noted. In 1859 he came to Clarke County, Ohio, there living for five years, during which time he worked energetically and amassed a very com tolla- ble little competency. In 1864 he removed to Macoupin County ami settled in North Otter Township where he has ever since been a resident. He has always been a farmer anil has so ifltelli- gei.tly conducted his work as to make the most of I, is chosen calling. Mr. Beckner settled on his present farm in 1868- 69 and here he lias since resided. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land and has thereon erected a number of buildings that supply the de- mand for storage room for his productions. He, himself, has a comfortable dwelling that is as in- viting inside as well as out as taste and refinement can make it. He was married in his native State. His bride, whose maiden name was Magdalene Bruliakcr, was a native of Virginia. She bore him one child, Elizabeth, and passed away in North Otter Township in October, 1859. He contracted a second marriage, his cnoice being Miss Catherine Brubaker, a sister of his first wife. Their marriage took place in North Otter Township, June, 1865; like her sister, she was a native of Virginia, there, born June 7, 1846. Mr. Beckner and his present wife are the parents of eleven children, eight of whom arc still living. The latter are Mary. Laura, Susan, A 1 via, Ida, Harvey, Asa and Bertha. Our subject has shown his fitness for public posi- tion by efficiently discharging the duties of the office to which he haa^oeen elected by the people, of School Director. Mr. anil Mrs. Beckner are active members of the German Baptist Church. The father of Mrs. Beckner was Joel Brubaker, who was a native of Virginia. The laity's mother was Elizabeth (Fisher) Brubaker, a native of Franklin RESIDENCE! OF FRANK GEHRIG , SEC. 21., NILWOOD TR, MACOUPIN CO., ILL. RESIDENCE OF B. A. BECKN ER , SEC.K. , NORTH OTTER TP., MACOUPIN CO ILL. / 'PBARV I'f-IE I PORTRAIT AND BIOGIiA PHICAL RECORD. 811 County. Va. They Settled at an early day in that State, the father died in Roanoke County, and the mother in Macoupin County, 111. Elsewhere in this volume appears a view of the comfortable abode of Mr. Beckner. in Germany, and having always followed this vo- cation. Directly after coming to this county be rented a farm in Brushy Mound Township, and after residing there live years settled on section 21, Nilwood Township. To his chosen calling in life Mr. Gehrig gives his undivided attention and makes a specialty of stock-raising, which he finds very profitable. He has contributed greatly to the improvement of his ■ — 7 HANK GEHRIG. There is probably no farm since he purchased it. The buildings are in more pleasant farm in Nilwood Township excellent condition and are admirably adapted to than that which is owned and occupied by Mr. Gehrig, and a view of which accompanies this sketch. Although the acreage is not large, yet every rod of ground is made productive, or set apart for some useful purpose. A native of Germany, Mr. Gehrig was born February 2, 1839, and there passed the days of his boyhood and youth. When he arrived at manhood he de- termined to seek a home across the broad waters their various purposes. Both Mr. Gehrig and his estimable wife are members of the German Cath- olic Church. The father of our subject. Frank Gehrig, died while with his son in Carlinvillc, this State; the mother, Katheriue Gehrig, passed away in Germanj'. We may well be proud of hav- ing so intelligent a German-American citizen in our midst, and like many of his countrymen, he has aided largely in the development of American and sociable. of the ocean and accordingly, in the fall of 18(!4, soil; like them also he is warm-hearted, generous lie emigrated to America, coming directly to Car- linvillc, where he arrived February 10, 18G5. Since that lime he has resided continuously in this county and has been closely connected with its later growth and progress. Mr. Gehrig was first married in Carlinvillc, his wife being Miss Emma Michnesser, who was also a native of Germany. She did not long glad- den the home of her husband as she passed from earth June II, 1886. in Nilwood Township. Mr. Gehrig afterward married again, the lady of his choice being Miss Mina Threde. who was, like himself, a native of the Fatherland. Their mar- riage was celebrated October ."). 1887, in Alton, tin's State, and unto them two children have been born — Dora and Frank. About 1K74 Mr. Gehrig located upon Hie estate which is still his home, and which includes eighty- six and one-half acres. Considerable money has been invested in the improvement of the farm and by hard work Mr. Gehrig has tiansformed it into a productive space, in which the choicest grains and vegetables may be found. Agriculture has always been the chosen occupation of Mr. Gehiig, and he thoroughly understands the best EREMIAH CONVERSE, one of the most liberal and public-spirited citizens of liarr Township, resides on section 20, where his beautiful farm and excellent farm build- ings attract the eye of every passer-by. His father was Alfred Converse who was born in Connecticut and his mother, Betsey Corey, a New Jersey wom- an. They etime from Vermont to Greene County, III , in 1 !s I 1 and" made that their permanent home. Our subject, had bis birth in Addisou County, N. Y., March 21. L822, and there he grew to manhood and resided until he decided to emigrate to Illi- nois, which was in 1SI I. Two years later he went Iriek to the Green Mountain State to wed MlSS Lovina Corey, who was born in Addison County, June 2. 1827. The marriage took place, Septem- ber I-'!. 1846, and the young rouple immediately came West and made their home in Greene ( lounty. After a long residence in that county, Mr. and Mrs. Converse thought best to remove to Macou- metuods of fanning, having been reared on a farm pin County, and moved upon a farm in liarr 812 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Township. Here they have successfully carried on 1 heir agricultural pursuits and are the owners »f two hundred and twenty acres of fertile and pro- ductive land. Six children have brightened this home, namely : Ira who married Emma D. Spain; Helen, the wife of David Stout; Lucia, the wife of Elisha Stout; Laura, Mrs. Henry Gary; Fred W., and Rufus E. who married Lucy Hicks. While living in Greene County, Mr. Converse made substantial improve- ments upon his farm there and put it in first '.hiss condition. His political views have led him to alliliatc with the Republican party and lie has been Highway Commissioner, an office which he lias filled with credit to himself and great profit to the community. It is to such men as this, who by their broad understanding of public necessities, unselfish devotion to public interest and strict, integrity, have proved their fitness for public office, that, anv community owes much of its prosperity and pi ogress. — *- ~^r~ *- ' ENRY J. PRANGE, a successful and w. II- 1 to-do farmer of Cahokia Township, who resides on section 23, owns there an excellent farm of two hundred and thirty-eight acres, and upon them he has good farm buildings, lie- sides this tract he owns one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, and it is all well improved and rich prairie land. He has resided in this town- ship since 1877, and on this farm the past nine years. Formerly he had lived in Jit. Olive Town- shit), this county, and was there reared and educa- ted to the business of a farmer. Our subject was born in Prussia, Germany, Au- gust 23, 1852, and is the second son of Henry Prange, who became one of the earliest German settlers of Ml. Olive Township. For further inter- esting minutia in regard to this worthy family, we refer the reader to the biographical sketch of the father which is found on another page of this R] i ord. Our subject was only one year old when his parents came to the United States in 1853. The family voyaged in a sailing vessel and landing in New Orleans, journeyed North and settled in Ma- coupin County, which has been their permanent home from that day to this. Henry was married in Cahokia Township, this county. March G, 1878, to Wilhelmina Eickmeyer, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., December 21, 1859. She was eighteen months old when her parents, William and Wilhelmina (Kruse) Eickmeyer, re- moved from St. Louis to Cahokia Township, and settled upon the farm where they are yet living. This venerable couple are still living, and stand high as good citizens of this county. They were born in Prussia, Germany, and were there reared and married. Two children were born unto them, and one was taken from them by death before they came to this country. They, as well as their daugh- ter, Mrs. Prange, are faithful and devoted members of the Lutheran Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Prange have been born six children, all of whom are living at home with their faithful and devoted parents. They are as follows: Anna W., Lydia W., Mary W., Minnie S.. John H. and William II. 'I his family stands high in the community, the father being one of the most prom- inent among the German-American citizens of the county. His neighbors have twice given to him the position of Township Collector, which he has filled with credit to himself and profit to his neigh- bors. OBERT TUCKER, who resides on section 27, North Palmyra Township, is a promi- nent and successful fanner and tile manu- facturer. Like many other residents of this county, he is of Southern lineage. His father, Robert Tucker, was a Virginian and his mother, Margaret Ellis, having been bom in Kentucky. Their first Illinois home was in Morgan County, to which they came from Kentucky, and after having lived there about a year emigrated to Missouri, where Robert Tucker, Sr., died in Clay County. The family then returned to Kentucky and settled in Marion County. The widow afterward married William Powers and settled in Casey County, Ky., where that gentleman died. Being a second time left a widow this lady returned to Illinois and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 8 1 3 settled in Macoupin County, dining the Inst part (if the decade of the '(Jus. Her life ended in Scott- ville Township, in August. 1878. Three sons ami one daughter blessed her first marriage of whom Robert was the youngest. The subject of this brief review was born in Clay County. Mo.. March II, 1835, and lived with his grandfather, Isaac Kllis, until he was about nineteen years old. In 1854 became to Macoupin County and hired out to the late Isom Dalton. in a brick factory, and remained with him for six months. For another eighteen months he was en- gaged in farm work and then decided to begin independently for himself. He rented land for two years in North Palmyra Township, and in this way prepared for future prosperity. Mrs. Elizabeth O'Neal, of whom our readers will find a sketch upon another page of this vol- ume, made a wedding for her daughter Sarah at her home in North Palmyra Township, June 13, 1858, This daughter was then wedded to the sub- ject of this sketch. Mrs. Tucker was born in North Palmyra Township, April 14, 1810. and there she had grown to a beautiful and attractive young womanhood. Mrs. O'Neal made the young couple welcome to reside upon her farm for three or four years, after which they settled on section •1~ . of Palmyra Township, where Mr. Tucker has since been a resident, In the spring of 1879 he built the tile works on his farm and has since car- ried them on in connection with his culture of one hundred and sixty-six broad and rich acres. He nas erected a pleasant home and has made good improvements upon his land. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are the parents of four children: Elizabeth A., Lewis L., Grant C. Olis C. The eldest son died when seven months old. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have trained their children acceding to the doctrines and duties of the Chris- tian religion, and are themselves active members of the Baptist Church, and much of the prosperity which these young people are meeting in life may well be ascribed to the judicious instruction and education which was given them by their parents. Mrs. Tucker is a woman of unusual ability and character and makes her mark in the community where she resides. Mr. Tucker has well filled the position Of School Director and while in that office materially advanced the interest of education. The political doctrines which he endorses are those of the Republican party. Mrs. Tucker is a sister of Mrs. .1. P. (iibbs, whose husband is elsewhere re- corded in this volume. Their pleasant home is the scene of frequent and happy social reunions and their hospitality is well-known throughout the township. ~i-^3XEHr>~i- ^j=^:-:or<;k w. 'if ^wf I >a ' m . vrrl ' is ^^|| active busii yr^ZORGK W. .JOHN, a respected citizen of is no', at present engaged in any iness enterprise. He has in for- mer years been connected with mercantile and man- ufacturing affairs and he has also had some interest among the agriculturists of this section, as the owner of a good piece of outlying land. He is classed among the intelligent, law-abiding and use- ful members of the community, and is known to possess the true public spirit, which is manifested in his connection with those projects which tend to develop the material and civil resources of the country. The John family was established in America in Colonial times by < )wen John, a native of Wales. He set up his home in Chester County, Pa., which was the birthplace of the succeeding generations until the time of our subject. The second of the family in the direct line was William, the next Owen and the next Evan. The last named was a natural mechanic and worked at cabinetmaking and shoemaking. In 1838 he removed to this Slate. traveling with a team to Wheeling, W. Va., and there embarking on a river boat and via the Ohio and Mississippi, readied Alton. Upon disembark- ing, he resumed the journey with his team. Spring- field being bis objective point, That now thriving city was then but a village and tne surrounding country was sparsely settled. After spending six months there Mr. John re- moved to Auburn, where he opened a cabinet-shop and followed the trade until 1846. That year he bought a home on Hart's Prairie. Morgan County, and lived there until 1858i in the meantime work- 814 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ing in a machine shop at Waller's Mills. His next removal was to Palmyra, this county, where he bought a lot am) built a house. After living in the village a few years he bought land a short dis tance south of town and resided there until after the death of his wife, from which time he made his home with his children. The maiden nan e of his wife was Angeline Mercer and she was a native of Maryland. The family included six: children, one son and five daughters and four of the household band are now living. The subject of this notice was born in Maryland, May 7, 1833. He was five years old when he came to this Stale and he has a vivid recollection of the incidents of the journey and of pioneer life here at a time when deer and wolves were plenty in Ma- coupin County. He made his home with his par- ents until he was twenty-six years old, although he had been doing for himself sonic time before he es- tablished a home elsewhere. In 1854 he built a sawmill in Morgan County and operated ii until 1S58, then removed the plant to Palmyra and car- ried on the same work here until 1861. At that time he decided to make a change of occupation. and selling the mi'l he took up a mercantile life. He carried on business two years, then sold out and bought an interest in the tloiiring-mill. To the operation of this he devoted his attention twenty years and when that period had. elapsed disposed of his interest and entered upon a life of leisure. He still owns a good farm two miles north of the vil- lage, that he bought some years since Mr. John was married first in I85JJ to Cynthia E. Kino:. That lady was born in North Palmyra Township and was a daughter of Joseph King. She died in 1862. leaving two daughters, Nettie and Cynthia E. The second marriage of Mr. John was solemnized in 1866 and his bride was Mis. Elizabeth M. Hodges nee Rice. She was a daugh- ter of William and Elizabeth Rice and widow of Samuel Hodges. Her union with our subject re- sulted in the birth of four cli'ldi-cn, two of whom survive, namely: Myrtle and Charlie. The mother of these children died in 1879 and in 1881 Mr. John was married to Rachel D. Yoakley. This lady is a native of Tennessee and a daughter of E. J$. and Eliza Yoakley. She is a member in good standing of the Methodist. Episcopal Church and Mr. John is also identified with that religious body. He is a member of the Republican party and is al- ways to be found at the polls exercising the right of suffrage, as he thinks every loyal citizen should. jolIN MONTGOMERY, a retired farmer living in Brighton, has resided in Illinois since her territorial days and has therefore Keen an eyewitness of her entire growth as a State. With the history of two of her counties, Madison and .Macoupin, he has been prominently connected and this volume would be incomplete if his life-record was omitted. He has seen the broad prairies of the State transformed into excellent homes and farms, towns and villages spring up, countless industries and manufactories introduced, while miles upon miles of railroad have been built, penetrating every nook and corner of this vast State. Mr. Montgomery has lived in this county for lifty-two years. lb' was bom in Madison County, six miles from Alion, February 7. 1817, and be- longs to an old family that had come to Illinois in the early part of the present century and located on territorial land. His father, William Montgom- ery, was a native of Virginia but was reared in Kentucky and when a young man sought a home in Madison County. III. Responding to the coun- try's call for troops, he served throughout' the en- tire War of 1812, and for his meritorious service was made Captain of his company. When the war was over he returned to his old home, where he lived until his death which occurred at the age of sixty five years. The land which he entered from the Government is still in the possession of the family, being now the properly of his son, Hamp- ton. William Montgomery was married in Madi- son County to Miss Sallie Ratten, a native of Virginia. Her father emigrated with his family from Virginia to Illinois and became the first white settler on what has since been known as Ratten Prairie, where he lived and died. He was a prom- inent citizen ami pioneer. The death of Mrs. IJBRARy or t«f UN»VFRcitv r 4& t. m» -:-V 6EORQE W. ADAMS. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 817 Montgomery occurred some six years prior to her husband's decease, she was to him a true help- mate and a most estimable lady. Our subject was the second in order of birth in their family of twelve children, seven of whom are yec living. John Montgomery remained under the parental roof until twenty -three years of age, being reared among the wild scenes of pioneer life and then came to this county, where he began work on a new farm. He has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Mercy Love, a native of Cape Cod, Mass., who with her parents came to Illinois during her childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Love were prominent people of this community and here spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Mont- gomery was also a lady of many excellencies of character and her death, which occurred at the age of forty years, was mourned by many friends out- side of her immediate family. By that union have been born four children — Thomas, who wedded Abigail Ebberman, is living in Ft. Collins, Colo., where he formerly occupied the position of County- Clerk; Miranda is the wife of Abraham Wood, and their home is in Woodhurn, III.; John P., who wedded Lena Sanns, is living on his father's farm ; anil May is the wife of Dr. Frank Stubblefield. Mr. Montgomery was again married in this county, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson, who was born in Wayne County, Ind., September 7, 1833, and is a daughter of Andrew and Susanna Johnson, the former a native of Indi- ana and the latter of South Carolina. They were married in the Hoosier State, where they resided until 1865, when they came to Illinois, locating in Macoupin County. Here both died when well advanced in years. When Elizabeth Johnson was a young maiden she went to Arkansas, where she met and married Peter Jackson, who died in that State at the age of forty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery have a pleasant home in Brighton, where they expect to spend the remainder of their days. They are members of the Methodist Church, in the work of which they take an active interest and by all who know them they are held in high esteem. In polities, Mr. Montgomery is a Demo- crat. He made farming his life-occupation and in this county cleared and improved land, developing it into an excellent farm. As i he result of his in- dustry, perseverance and g I management he acquired a handsome property and in his declining Mars he is now living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. * -6~H§ -^ /p^EORCK W. ADAMS. The name of this [If <=- gentleman was for many years a familiar ^$=^1 one among the people of Macoupin County, where he entered upon and finished a most worthy career. His portrait presented on the opposite page represents a citizen widely known and honored wherever known. Not only was he a witness of the development of Macoupin County from a comparatively unimportant portion of the state to its present position among the foremost coun- ties, out he aided in its progress and his history is closely interwoven with that of the county. His life was a busy one; realizing that we are not here merely to " kill time" he aimed to fill his life with useful deeds. It may truly be said of him that he was one of those " Who comprehend their trust and to the same Keep faithful with a singleness of aim; And therefore do not stoop or lie in wait For wealth or honor or for worldly state; Whom they must follow, ou whose head must fall. Like showers of manna, if they come at all." The parent-.! history (if Mr. Adams is fully given in the biographical sketch of his brother, tides M.. elsewhere in this volume. We will merely relate the most important events in his life and those incidents which most powerfully affected his destiny. Prior to his demise he was a farmer of Brushy Mound Township, anil occupied one of the oldest homesteads of the county. He was the son of William C. and Margaret (Ward) Adams, who came to Illinois in 1828, becoming pioneers in what was at that time a wilderness, where wild animals and Indians roamed unmolested. There were neither railways nor free schools, and farming was conducted after the most primitive style. In that sparsely settled section the father made a settlement near Dorchester and afterward improved a farm in what is now Brushy Mour.d Township. 818 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. In the log cabin which was the pioneer home of his parents, in Brushy Mound Township, George \V. Adams was born November 12, 1847. He was reared to a stalwart manhood in his native place and gleaned a common-school education in the schools of his boyhood. His attention was mainly given to agricultural pursuits and having a predi- lection for rural labors he naturally chose farming as his life vocation. When quite young he was orphaned by the death of his father, after which he continued to reside with his mother on the home farm. This place was his home during his entire life with the exception of four years passed in Montgomery County. In his wife Mr. Adams found a true helpmate, one who doubled his joys and divided his sorrows. She bore the maiden name of Mary E. Dowdall. and was born in Greene County, this State, to John S. and Ellen (Witt) Dowdall. The marriage of our subject and his estimable wife was celebrated August 13, 1868, and four children born of the union are living at present. Laura E.. Margaret E., Cora B. and George W. Four children are deceased. Politically Mr. Adams was a stanch upholder of the Democratic party. His death occurred May IS, 1891, when only in the prime of a useful life. As a husband, he was tender and devoted; as a father he reared his children to nobly act their part in the battle of life; as a citizen, he was upright and patriotic. Although his large circle of acquaint- ances deeply mourn his untimely demise, they realize that he has left behind him that which can- not fade away — the example of an honorable life. OHN CHURCHILL KING, a prominent farmer of Palmyra, was born on a farm on section 32, of North Palmyra Township, November 14, 1837. His father, Joseph King was born in Todd County, Ky., as was also his grandfather. Joseph King was reared in Kentucky and after his marriage came from there to Illinois in 1835, accompanied by his wife and two children. They made the entire journey over- land with ox-teams, bringing with them all their earthly possessions. His financial circumstances were very limited and although most of the land in the county was for sale at $1.25 per acre he could not purchase. He rented land for a time and then soon as he hail the means, he entered fort}' acres of timber and brush land upon section 32, of North Palmyra Township and built a log cabin on the place. He with his own hands rived the boards for the roof and chinked the cracks with chips and clay. At that time there were no railroads through this region and for a number of years, Alton and St. Louis were the nearest mar- kets and the people lived altogether on the product of the farm. Somewhat later Mr. King purchased more land and finally had one hundred and sixty acres of arable land all under a high state of culti- vation. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Abigail D. Floyd. She was born in Virginia, a daughter of Charles and Mary Floyd. During the early years of her pioneer life she carded, spun, wove and made the garments with which she clothed herself and the children, for homespun was not only the fashion but a necessity of those days. After the death of her husband she resided with her daughter, Mrs. George A. Norvel, and died at her home. She reared six children, Charles F., Mary A., James T., Cynthia E., John C. and Lucinda J. John King attended the pioneer schools in a log school-house. In building this house one log was left out on one side the full length of the building to admit light. Along under this primitive win- dow, holes were bored and pins inserted in them, and upon them laid a board, which served as a desk for the larger scholars. The seats were made by spliting logs and hewing one side smooth. There were no backs to these seats and the heat of the fireplace served in lieu of stove or furnace. He commenced to assist his father on the farm as soon as he was large enough to be of use and resided with his parents until he reached his ma- jority. He then worked out for others for a \ ear and afterward took charge of his father's farm for two years. The young man was now given thirty acres of good land by his father, and he removed the log PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 819 house which bis father had buill Lo its present location upon this farm and there commenced housekeeping. After four years he sold this property and bought sixty acres in the same town- ship and also a residence in the village of Palmyra. After living there one year he sold the property and bought eighty acres in South Palmyra Town- ship and made his home there until 1875. He again sold his property and purchased one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the village. He has made an addition lo the village for which he platted seine forty acres, much of which he has disposed of for residence lots and he is still carrying on the farm with the remainder of the land, in 1890 he platted an addition of four acres to Oak Hill Cemetery. The marriage of John Churchill King to Sarah Elizabeth John was solemnized November 15, I860. This lady was born in Sangamon County where her parents resided. Her father, Evan John, was a native of Chester Count}', Pa. He was a son of Owen John who, as well as his grandfather William, was a native of the same county. The great-great- grandfather of Mrs. King was also Owen John and a native of Wales, who came to America in the Colonial days and made his home upon a farm in that county. William John the great-grandfather of Mrs. King married Rachel Rodgers. His sun Owen was married iu Chester County and there spent the remainder of bis days, and the father of Mrs. King went to Maryland when a young man and there married Angeline Mercer. She was born in Cecil County, Md. and was a daughter of George W. and Sarah (Everson) Mercer. In 1840 he came to Illinois and made his residence for awhile in Springfield, and afterward removed to Auburn, Sangamon County where be followed bis trade of a cabinet-maker. The father of Mrs. King lived in Auburn until 1846, and then removed to Morgan County and settled on Hart's Prairie buying land and engaging in farming, while at the same time he worked at bis trade. He resided there until 1858 and they removed to Palmyra and bought a home, and later bought land half a mile south of the village where they resided until the death of his wife and then made his home with his children until his own death which took place, February 22. 1889. He had been bereaved of his wife some eighl year's previOU3 she passing away in July, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. King have two children, both sons, .Joseph E. and Lewis M. Mr. King is a member of the Palmyra Lodge No. 348 I. 0. < >. F. lie is a man who is intelligent and wide awake to all matters of public interest a, id he casts his vote and influence with the Republican party. His intelli- gence and natural ability make him a leader among his townsmen ami he has been placed upon the Vill- age Board. His family stands well in social circles and is respected and beloved for its intelligence and hospitality. • -<♦- *i$^. «w ylLLIAMCARLING.SR. Many of the most prominent citizens of Macoupin County and the most thorough and energetic farmers and business men are to he found among our British American citizens and among them we are pleased to call the attention of our readers to "William Catling, who was born in Newcastle, Northumberland County, England, on New Year's Day, 1824. His father, Peter Carling, was liorn in Dublin, Ireland, and there received his early train- ing and education, but. afterward went to Fngland and was there married in Northumberland County. He was a sailmaker and followed his trade in that country for several years. The father of our subject chose 1 for Ins wife Catherine Duncan, who was born in Kirkendlighl. Scotland, and died iu Northumberland County, having become the mother of three children, John, William (our subject) and James. 'I his son. Will- iam, had been reared in his native county and at twelve years of age had been apprenticed to a tailor, with whom he remained for fifteen months, and then traveled for a time and afterward engaged in mining. He made his first visit to America in 1848 are! remained here for eighteen months, after which he returned to England and resided there until 1853. The subject of this sketch again decided to ley his fortune in the New World, and with his wife 820 PORTRAIT AND UK (GRAPHICAL RECORD. and two children set sail in the fall of 1853 from Liverpool, making his ocean voyage in a sailing vessel named "The Philadelphia." They landed in the city for which their vessel was named after seven weeks and three days spent upon the briny deep. They located near Akron, Summit County, Ohio, where they engaged in mining and re- mained until 1857, when they came to Illinois and made their home in Belleville. Here they remained for three months only and then went to Alton and after eight months they came to this county and settled mi the farm where he now resides. The emigrant was now prepared to purchase a home and in 1863 bought a tract of land composed of two hundred and twenty acres, one hundred and sixty of which was improved and the rest in pas- ture land, lie had been married in 1848 in the old home across the sea. His bride bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Moulter. She was horn in County Durham, England, and was a daughter <■•' William and Klizabeth (Chambers) Monitor, the former being a native of Scotland and the latter of County Durham. England, Mrs. Elizabeth Carling died May I, 1890. The second wife of our subject was Mrs. Sarah (Dixon) Fay and she is a native of County Durham, England. Mrs. Calling's grandfather, Ralph Dixon, was a blacksmith by trade and spent his entire life in his native land. Her father, Robert Dixon, followed mining in his native land until 1833, and then came to America and located at Pittsburg, Pa., where three years later his wife and three children joined him. In 1837 the family re- moved to Ohio, where they resided until 1857, after which they spent one year in St. Louis. In 1858 Mr. Dixon removed to Point Precinct, Cal- houn County, and purchased eighty acres of land in the forks of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Here he died February 11, 1859. The maiden name of Mrs. Dixon was Margaret Hay. She was born in County Durham and is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Turner) Hay. She still resides on her home farm in Calhoun County. Mrs. Carling was eight years old when she came with her mother to America. They journeyed on the sailing vessel -'Shakespeare" and landed in New York after what was considered a short voyage of twenty-seven days. This lady was first married in Armstrong, Pa., in 1851. being then united to Mr. William Fay. They lived in Pennsylvania until 1857 and then after a year's residence in St. Louis, bought ii farm in Point Precinct, which Mrs. Calling still owns. Mr. Fay engaged in agricul- tural pursuits ami resided in Calhoun County until his death, which took place on Christmas Day, 1884. Mr. Calling has three children living, namely: William, John and Sarah Ellen. Mrs. Carling has eight children: Robert, James. Elizabeth .1., Mar- garet A., John F., George Edward, Nettie and Nellie, the two last named being twins. Mr. Car- ling has been a life-long Democrat, but was strenu- ously opposed to slavery, and although surrounded by many who sympathized with the pro-slavery element, cast his vote in our national crisis for Abraham Lincoln and Gen. Grant. He has served for eight years .as Justice of the Peace and for six years has represented his town on the County Board of Supervisors. This in a few words gives a sketch of the life of one of the worthy citizens dt' Seottville Township. s&^W R. B("I)I>. He of whom we write is a suc- cessful druggist of Bunker Hill where he has been doing a large and paying business for a good many years, located on the southwest corner of Washington and Warren Streets, known as the "old drug store." It was originally established by John A. Delano in 1852. He and his heirs were succeeded by H. R. Budd in May, 1890, who still continue to keep the large trade of the house that is well known as the prin- cipal drug store in the city. Mr. Budd had form- erly been a member of the firm of Budd Bros., druggists, of this place since 1874, and this part- nership existed until 1879, when the company dis- solved and the subject of this sketch became the head of the busines where he now is. It is a thor- oughly well-equipped store with a main floor, second story and basement. Mr. Budd has a thorough knowledge of his busi- .'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 821 ncss, having grown up in it. He has lived all his life in this county, with the exception of four years which he spent in England where he was in school. He was born in the western part of this county. September 16, 1853. He lived with his parents until he was nearly of age when he em- harked in business for himself and lias since made a decided success of commercial life. He may truly be called a self-made man. At an early age Mr. Budd was united in mar- riage to Miss Emily C. Payne. She was born in Macoupin County, and belonged to a family who had lived in the county for many years, and her parents are still residents of Bunker Hill. Mrs. liudd was carefully reared while at home and edu- cated in the public schools of the county. She is an intelligent and charming woman, holding a prominent place in the society of the town and proving an efficient helpmate in all her husband's undertakings. Mrs. Budd is a consistent member of the Con- gregational Church in which she is known in all good words am] works. Mr. Budd is present. Mas- ter of Blue Lodge, No. 151, F. & A. M. of Banker Hill. He takes an active part in all municipal matters, is public spirited in the extreme, one who is in need of a helping hand or kindly word never appealing to his generous heart in vain. In politics Mr. Budd is a radical Democrat, the principles of that parly agreeing more with his ideas of personal rights. LBERT SAWTELL is classed among the intelligent young farmers, natives of this county, who are now materially assisting in carrying on its great agricultural inter- ests. For some years he has had charge of the home farm in Chesterfield Township, upon which he was born February 13, 1861. He is a son of Thomas Sawtell who was born in Somersetshire, England. He in turn was a son of James Sawtell, who is supposed to have been a life-long resident of that English shire. The father of our subject was reared and married in his native land, and made his home there until 1858. In that year he emigrated to this country with his wife and the child that had been born to them in their old home. The little family set sail from Liverpool and landed at New York after a long ocean voyage, and the father first rented land in Morgan County, this state. Two years later he came to Chesterfield Township and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land, on which stood a log hoii.>e and stable and a few acres were under cultivation. He energetically set about making further improvements, and in due time developed a line farm, which he increased in size uniil at the time of his death he owned three hundred and twenty acres of choice land, all lying in a body. His demise in April, 1S77 removed a good citizen from the township where he had done Valuable work in opening up the agricultural resources of this section. He was blessed with a faithful help- mate, who was born in the same shire as himself, her maiden nann being Elizabeth Atyeo. They reared six children — lames, William, Charles, Albert, Eliza .1 and Francis. lie of whom these lines are written passed his childhood in the home of his birth, and as he grew to man's estate received a good, practical training in agriculture that has been of benefit to him since he began life as an independent farmer. For some years he has had the management of the old home- stead, and is conducting his farming operations with the thrift, prudence and foresight that insure profit. The marriage of our subject with Miss Cora May Corgan was duly celebrated in May, 1888. Mrs. Sawtell was born near Tain a roa. Perry County, Hi., and is a daughter of Milton and Cordelia (Marshall) Corgan. Her father is also a native of this Stale, and is a son of William and Mary Cor- gan. He is a prosperous farmer of Perry Count}-. Mrs. Sawtell's mother is a native of Connecticut and a daughter of John and Margaret Marshall. Mr. and Mrs. Sawtell's married life has been hal- lowed to them by the birth of twin children, whom they have named Frank and Fanny. Mr. Sawtell is a young man of good personal habits and his life is guided by those principles of honor and honesty that mail< a true man. His political sentiments coincide with the tenets pro- 822 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. mulgated by the Republican party. Both he and his amiable wife hold a high place among the Christian members of their community as consist- ent members of the Congregational Church. y OSEPH W. HARSHBARGER, one of the Southern born citizens of Girard Township, bad his nativity one mile from Dayton, Rockingham County. Va., June 4, 1827. Hi- father, John J. Harshbarger was a Pennsyl- vanian by birth and tiie grandfather of our sub- ject, Henry Harshbarger was formerly a resident Of Pennsylvania anil moved from there to Rocking- ham County, Va., where he bought a farm anil made Ins home until 1851. He then sold out and moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, where be bought a farm and resided until his death. The father of our subject wa9 reared in Virginia and there learned from his father the trade of a wag- onmaker^nd followed it in connection with farming. After marriage lie bought a faun two and one-half miles south of Dayton, Rockingham County, and resided there for several years. This he sold after some time and bought another farm near Cross Keys in the same county and still continued at his trade and farming. He resided in that neighbor- hood until his death. Margaret Early was the maiden name of the lady who became the mother of our subject. Her na- tive home was Rockingham County. Va., and she was the daughter of Jacob and Migdaline (Wen- ger) Early, who were natives of the Keystone State. She died on the home farm at, Cross Keys some years before her husband's demise. Their son Joseph received ins training in farm work from his father and resided with him until be had reached his majority, after which he bought a fine tract of two hundred and forty acres of land in Augusta County, Va. In this purchase he was joined by his brother-in-law, George Hollar, and they fanned together for ten years. One roof sheltered both families and during that time fifteen children gathered in the double household. Joseph llars- barger then sold out his interest and returned to Rockingham County where he bought land one mile east of Dayton and resided on that, farm all through the period of the War of the Rebellion. The district where our subject lived during the years of the Civil War was run over by both arm- ies, North and South, and was considered a base of supplies for both. They subsisted on that part of the State and anything that was eatable was quickly seized by them and what they could not carry away they frequently destroyed. He and his family endured great hardships all through 'hose days and were subject to frequent raids upon their property. In 1864 he took his family to Dayton, Ohio, as he was given free transportation by the Government. There they remained for one year and when they returned to their old home found it a sad and desolate place. The buildings, includ- ing a handsome brick house that had cost $1,500 were heaps of ashes. All his stock had been stolen and everything about the place destroyed. With undaunted courage he went to work and rebuilt and stocked his farm, and resided there until 1370, when he sold out his property and came to Ma- coupin County, III. Here he rented a farm for a year and then bought the property on which he now resides on section 19, Girard Township. Here he now has a prosperous and attractive farm and carries on general farming. It was January 25, 1849, when Catherine Flory became the wife of Joseph W. Harshbarger. This lady, like himself was a Virginian by birth and had her nativity near Dayton. Rockingham County. She was the daughter of Michael and Sarah Flory and died December 11, 1873, leaving her husband and seven children to mourn her loss. Her children bear the name? of Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary A.. Re- becca B., Amanda C, Isaac J. and Abraham S. The second marriage of our subject took place November 23, 1884, and he was then united with Mrs. Barbara (Brubaker) Frantz, who was born in Clark County. Ohio, October 14. 1841. and was a daughter of Jonathan and Barbara Brubaker of whom tlK- reader will learn more at length in the sketch of Jonathan Brubaker which appears in this Record. She was married in her native county January 30, 1859, to Michael Frantz who was born in Ohio and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 823 was the son of Michael and Susan nah( Nelier)Fraui/.. In 1869 he came to Illinois and settled in the east- ern part of Girard Township, where he bought a farm and made a home. Afterward he sold this and bought eighty acres on section 19, which was his home until May 22, 1877, when he was called hence. By this first marriage Mrs. Harsh barger had six children — Jonathan, Martha, Susan, Jacob, Peter and Ezra. Both our subject and his wife are earnest and active members of the German Baptist Church, in the communion of which they find true fellowship and abundant opportunity for useful- ness. its moral elev- ation. He ami his wife are among the leading members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Prohibitionist. Socially, he is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 152, A. F. & A. M. ; of Kem- per Lodge, No. 596, 1. O.O. P.. and of Medora En- campment, lie has held various public offices. For thirteen years he has been Notary Public, lie has faithfully served the interests of Medora as a member of the village Board of Trustees, and as one of the Board of Education. -m— ^=^)ILES M. AD f|[ <— few pioneers %J$ of this gentle ILES M. ADAMS. The recollections of 9 extend further back than those eman, who holds an honorable place among the farmers of Brushy Mound Town- ship and occupies one of the oldest homesteads of the county. His portrait presented on the op- posite page represesents the lineaments of one whom all delight to honor and whose long life of usefulness well entitles him to the respect not only of his contemporaries in the settlement of the county, but of the younger generation who are en- joying the fruits of his labors. In the early part of this century there resided in the State of Virginia a gentleman bearing the name of Daniel Adams. He removed from that, his native Stale, to Kentucky and bought a large tract of land at Poplar Cave. Unfortunately he lost his land through a defective title, and after- ward removed to Tennessee where it is supposed the remainder of his days were passed. His son, William C, the father cf our subject, was born January 12. 1803, either in Virginia or Kentucky. He accompanied his father in his removal to Ten- nessee and was there married to Margaret Ward, a native of Alabama. In 1828 the father of our subject emigrated to Illinois with his wife and the children who had been born to them in Tennessee, making the journey Northward with teams. He first stopped in Madi- son County for a time, but in 1830 came to this county. At that time there was but \\-\v white set- tlers here, and deer, wolves and othei kinds of wild animals were very numerous. He entered Gov- ernment land near Dorchester, and for nearly live years lived in the log house that he built there. At the expiration of tint time he Bold his place, and coming to what is now Brushy .Mound Town- ship, entered Government land, which forms the homestead now occupied by his son, our subject. There were no railways here for some time after- ward, and Alton was the nearest market, the conn try being still only partly settled and in a wild condition; as there were no mills in this county the father had to go either to Alton or Edwards- ville to gel his grain ground. His farm work was done by oxen, and he was compelled to US3 prim- itive farming machinery extant in that day. When he was scarcely past the prime of life he departed from the seines of his labors, dying January 29, 1854, and thus a useful and respected pioneer was taken away from the community. His widow-sur- vived him many years, her death occurring July 17, 1883, on the home farm. She was the mother of twelve children — Giles M., Moses H., Sally Eveline, John J., Nancy, Jesse B., Elizabeth, Dan- iel E., Eliza .1.. James, George W., and Francis M. Giles M. Adams, whose portrait is presented on another page, was born in Knox County, Tenn., May 9, 1820. lie was about three years old when the family came to this State and remembers well the incidents of pioneer life here. Schools were not free in his early boyhood, but were conducted on the subscription plan, each family paying tui- tion according to the number of children they sent. The anhoolhouse that our subject attended was a log building and the seats were slab benches without backs or desks and supported by wooden pins. Mr. Adams was never separated from his parents until their death and he now owns and oc- cupies the old homestead; having never married he made his home with his brother George until the death of the latter, lie is a g I, practical farmer, carries on his agricultural operations so as to make money, and is one of the solid men of the township, where he is held in universal respect for his many sterling qualities. In his political views he is a sound Democrat. The brother of our subject, George W., departed this life May 18, 1891. He was born in the pioneer 828 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. home of his parents in Brushy Mound Township, November 12, 1817. He was reared and educated iu his native township and in due time became an excellent farmer, who carried on his operations suc- cessfully. He was quite young when his father died and continued to live with his mother on the home farm. With the exception of four years spent in Montgomery County he was a continuous Elizabeth Taylor, a native of North Carolina, and a daughter of William Taylor, one of the heroes of the Revolutionary War. They came to Illinois in 1829, and located upon the farm of our subject when Macoupin County was yet in its infancy. They bore the usual experiences ar.d hardships of pioneer life, and with the early history of the com- munity were prominently connected. Mr. Adams resident of this county until his death. His wife, secured some of his land from the Government with whom he was united in marriage August 13, 1868, bore the maiden name of Mary E. Dowdall, and was a native of this State, born in Greene County, to John S. and Ellen (Witt) Dowdall. Mr. and Mrs. Adams had eight children, four of whom are now living — Laura E., Margaret E., Cora 15. and George W. George W. Adams was a stanch upholder of the Democratic party. He was a good citizen, a kind husband and father, and his neighbors always found him helpful and obliging. * -H — »^7>RANCIS M. ADAMS is one of the oldest and the old home was the scene of action during the greater part of his life. When he was well advanced in years he went to live with his son, William W. in Montgomery County, where he died at the aye of sixty-eight. His wife survived him some time passing away at the age of three- score years and ten. Our subject was the third child and second son of their five children. His entire life has been passed upon one farm. Under the sheltering roof of trie old home, or in wandering through the woods or over the prairies his boyhood days were passed. Later, when he had gained sufficient strength, he was put to work at farm labor and the furrows upon many a broad acre were first turned by him. His education was acquired in the native born citizens of Gillespie Township, /1P" V his birth having occurred .Tuly 1. 1833, on subscription schools, for public schools had not section 20, Gillespie Township — the farm which he still makes his home. He is a representative of one of the most honored pioneer families of the community, his father. Giles M. Adams, having here located in 1829. He belongs to an old Vir- ginian family. His grandparents, Daniel and Sarah (Stallion) Adams, were natives of the Old Domin- ion, from whence they removed with their family to Overton County, Ky., and thence to Ten- nessee. Subsequently the grandparents came to Illinois after their son Giles had here located and spent a number of years in Macoupin Con it v. Their last days were spent in Bond County, where they died at an advanced age. By trade. Daniel Adams was a blacksmith and followed that occupa- tion in connection with farming. The father of our subject was born in Virginia, and when young removed with his parents to Ken- tucky and Tennessee. He was living in the latter State when he attained his majority and not long afterward he was united in marriage with Miss been established at that early day. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth K. Grimes, who was born in this county in February, 1840, and is a daughter of William and Nancy (Wagner) Grimes, natives of Maryland, who, when young, came to Illinois where they were married. For some years Mr. Grimes followed the trade of a blacksmith, but later gave his attention to farming. He is now living a retired life in Christian County, at the age of seventy years. He is numbered among the pioneers of Macoupin County, and was one of its respected citizens. His wife died in the prime of life. Mrs. Adams is the eldest of their three children, all of whom arc yet living. By the union of our subject and his worthy wife were born six children, but four died in infancy. Mary S. is now the wife of Philip Teter, a resident of Gillespie Township; and Nancy V. is attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are well-known peo- ple of this community and are held in universal esteem. In politics he is an advocate of Demo- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 829 cratic principles bul rotes independently of party ties. He was the second Supervisor of Gillespie township, and has served as Justice of the Peace and Road Commissioner, filling all the offices in an efficient manner, which has won him the commen< dation of all concerned. He. is a member of Lodge No. 4312, Farmers' Mutual Benefit Associati and, on joining: its organization, was elected its first Vice President. In his business career, Mr. Adams has prospered and is now the owner of a valuable farm of four hundred and sixty-four acres, of which two hundred and sixty acres are under a high state of cultivation. LVAII C. MOFFETT of section 3, North Palmyra Township, is an active and energetic young man of Macoupin County. His father the late Chauncy W. Moffett, M. D. was born in New York in 1826. His parents moved from New York to Columbiana County, Ohio when the Doctor was a little fellow of four years and in the Buckeye Slate he grew to manhood. He came to Illinois during the '40s and at Jackson- ville, 111., in the month of August, 1849 he was united in marriage to Miss Amelia E. Vancil who was born in North Palmyra Township, May 31, 1828. This lady is the daughter of Edmund C. and Mary (Byars) Vancil. Mr. Vancil was born in Logan County, Ky„ May 8, 1799, and there he passed the early part of his life but at the age of sixteen years came to Marion County, III., where he grew to manhood. He was married in Jackson County III., August 15, 1824, to Miss Mary Byars, who was born in Kentucky. February 7. 1804, and had removed with her par- ents when she was four years old to Jackson County III., and who came with them in the fall of 1K27 to Macoupin County. They lived north of Yirden for a while and in 1828 they settled in North Pal- myra Township where he has since been a resident and is one of the oldest settlers in the county. His wife died May 25, 1890, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. After the marriage of Dr. .Moffett and his wife thej lived for one year in Sangamon County and then removed to Christian County where he followed his profession for a year, after which on account of ill health, they removed to Texas and remained until the close of the war, in which Dr. Moffett was an active participant. They afterward lived in Arkansas foi some t wo years, and then re- lumed to Illinois and sell led in North Palmyra Township. While on a visit to Texas to settle up his business affairs. Dr. Moffett was stricken down and died. Mrs. Moffett is the mother of eight children six of whom are living, namely: Chauncy \V. ; Portia, the wife of 1 liram Gilkerson ; Ocea E. ; Ilosea ( )., Alvus II. and Alvah C. One son Lot died in in- fancy and a daughter Aletha at the age of twenty years. The fine farm of two hundred and sixty acres with good buildings and first-class improve- ments is operated by our subject in company with his brother Hosea O. and their attention is devoted largely to the raising of stock in which they are re- markably successful. •INMNM1 T /OHN SCHWAB, The original of this sketch engages in general farming, having located on a fine tract of land on sections 29 and 30, of Brighton Township. His farm comprises two hundred and fifty-nine acres Of improved land, and like most of his fellow countrymen his prud- ence and economy in the management of his agri- cultural affairs have resulted in the amassing of more than a competency. Mr. Schwab has lived in this township and county since 1853, having come hither while yet a young man with but a few dollars in his pocket. He is a native of Switzerland, and his birthplace is the Canton Bar en, being born in January, 1825. lb is proud of the fact that he comes of an old Swiss family, and one whose history is closely iden- tified with that of one of the most stirring epochs in the history of the old Republic. He is the only member of his family who left home for the United States. Mr. Schwab early learned the trade of a butcher 830 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in Germany which lie followed for several years. After a short stay in Germany he returned home and then set out for this country, taking passage al Havre De Gras, France. He took passage in Octo- ber, 1851, on a sailer for the city of New York. He immediately proceeded after landing, to Ohio, and thence went to Missouri. Later he proceeded to Alton, and thence to this township and county. The subject of this biographical notice was mar- ried in this county to Miss Elizabeth Sawarwin. She was a native of Germany and came of German parents who lived and died in their native country. She came with two sisters to the United States when about twenty-four years old. leaving Antwerp in 1853, and arriving in New Orleans, where they stayed for a short time coming thence to Alton and afterward to Macoupin County. Mrs. Schwab is a worthy representative of the feminine sex. She has been a hard working woman and has greatly aided her husband in his efforts in accumulating a competency. Seven children have come to brighten their hearthstone and be a hope of their parents. They are: Fred, John, William, George, Lizzie, Reka and Anna J. Of these Fred wedded Carrie Ilan- nold, and at present is a resident of Alton. John is a butcher engaged in the shop of Phil Lauch of Brighton; William remains at home assisting with the farm duties: George is now at Alton; Lizzie is the wife of Philip Hermes, now a farmer in Madi- son County; Reka contracted herself to Adolph Schnaberg, a farmer who lives in this township; Anna J. is still at home, and on her depends much of the brightness of the home circle. Mr. and Mrs. Schwab attend the Presbyterian Church. The gen- tleman is a voter with the Democratic party taking a lively interest in both local and national politics. <"«( jfoEYE G. SCHMIDT, a farmer and stock- \j-\In raiser living on section 24, Gillespie Town- W^fl ship, is numbered among the early settlers of the county, dating his residence from 1851. He is of German birth, having been born in old Friesland, in the province of Hanover, in 1831. His parents were farming people of that localit}', where the}' spent their entire lives. The father. Carl Schmidt, died about the age of fifty years and three months, and his wife, whose maiden was Weptke Weyne, was only thirty-six years of age at the time of her death. In their family are five children, four sons and a daughter, all of whom are jet living and are residents of this country. Our subject, the second in order of birth, was the first to brave the dangers of an ocean voyage. He left the land of his nativity on the 17th of September. 1851, sailing from Bremen and landing at New Orleans after a long voyage of eight weeks and two days. Eleven days more elapsed and he then arrived in Alton, 111., where he made his home until the following spring, when he came to Macoupin County. A short time afterward, Mr. Schmidt led to the marriage altar Miss Antke Schoen, who was born in the same locality as her hushaid. Her parents lived and died in the prov- ince of Hanover, were farming people, and in re- ligious belief were Lutherans. Accompanied by a younger sister, Mrs. Schmidt ciossed the Atlantic in 1853. coming by way of the New Orleans & Alton route to Macoupin County, III., where two of her brothers had located some time previous. With them she remained until her marriage, when she took her place as mistress of her husband's home. They lived for a time upon a farm in Gil- lespie Township, and in 18G1 removed to their pres- sent home on section 24, where a highly cultivated tract of land, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, pays a golden tribute to the care of the owner. Nearly all of the improvements seen thereon are the work of Mr. Schmidt's hands, and his success in life is due entirely to his own efforts and the able assistance of her with whom he has now traveled life's journey for more than a third of a century. Mr. Schmidt is numbered among the leading and influential citizens of his town- ship, who has ever born his part in the upbuilding and advancement of the community's interests. As every true American citizen should do, he exercises his right of franchise, and in political sentiment is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church of Gillespie. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have been born five PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 831 children, and the family circle yet remains un- broken. Charles who married Wetka Moermann is now engaged in the grocery business in Gillespie; Benjamin, who was joined in wedlock with Gretka Men nan, carries on the grocery trade in Venice, III.; John, a resident fanner of Gillespie Town- ship, wedded Atke Schmidt; Fred is engaged in farming in connection with, bis brother John; and .lessie, who completes this family, is at home. The Schmidt household is noted for its hospitality an ' marriage, wedding George Gates. The son Samp- son was born in Muhlenberg County, April 25, 1815, and remained with his mother during her lifetime, lie was about ten years old when she was taken away and he was then bound out to a cabinetmaker living in Christian County, lie was not well treated and his spirit rebelled and when about, a twelvemonth had passed he ran away. His master soon found him and took him back, but he watched an opportunity and a few weeks later it is one of the worthy German families in this again left, this time making bis way back to his part of the county. In 1883 ihe father returned to Germany, where he spent some weeks in visiting boyhood scenes and in renewing old acquaintances. He has, however, no desire to again live in that country, having found a pleasant home in Amer- ica, where his business career has been blessed with prosperity, he being now the owner of four hun- dred acres of land. -*•;:■•#•■: |ps^» AMPSON GROVES, a retired farmer now ^5 living in Carlinville, probably lias as much v£-J» personal knowledge of the progress of this county as an}' man now living within its bounds. He came here more than half a century ago, when it was sparsely settled and much of the land was still owned by the Government, and Car- linville was a hamlet with its houses mostly of logs. There were no railroads in the county, and Alton and St. Louis were the nearest markets and depots for supplies. Deer and wolves roamed at will over the unsettled districts and frequently came very near the scattered farmhouses. Long years of earnest and well-directed efforts secured to Mr. Groves a goodly amount of property, and since 1888 he has been living in Carlinville, enjoy- ing the ease and comfort that arc so lilting for those of advancing years. The parents of our subject were Solomon and Elizabeth (Dukes) Groves, who for some years made their home on a farm in Muhlenberg County, Ky. The father died there about 1821 and the mother some years later, she having made a second native county, where he found a safe harbor with his brother Jacob. In 1885 he accompanied a colony to this State, the company including his brother Jacob and the l.arnctls. Young Groves spent the winter in Sangamon County and in the spring of 1 83C came to this county. He worked at the trade of a carpenter in .■■nil about Carlinville until the next year, when he returned to Kentucky on a visit. He made the round trip on horseback, spending a few weeks amid the scenes of his boyhood and youth, and then, returning hither, he again took up his trade and followed it until 1848. That year he entered a tract of Government land on section 3, Honey Point Township, and still later look up eighty acres adjoining. His first improvement was the clearing of a space on which to build a log house and after beginning housekeeping therein he i - tinned his work on the property, bringing it under subjection and placing upon it a good set of build- ings. He lived on the farm until 1869, then made Carlinville his home seven years anil a half, after which he returned to the latin. lie made his per- manent removal at the time before mentioned, and is now occupying a pleasant town house. An event of much interest to Mr. Groves and to Miss Catherine Armstrong took place June 20, 1844, it being their union in the matrimonial tie. The bride was born in Botetourt County, Va., Jan- nary 14, 1825. Her father. Watson Armstrong, was a native of Virginia and a farmer by occupa- tion, lie came to this state in 1830, accompanied by his wile and three children, traveling with teams and camping on the way. He settled in Sangamon County near Auburn and died there. The mother of Mrs. Groves bore the maiden name 832 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of Ann Wineman. She too was born in Virginia and her parents were Frederick and Catherine Wineman. Frederick Wineman is believed to liave been born in Pennsylvania as lie went from that State to Virginia. After the decease of Mr. Armstrong his widow married John Hutton and they came to this county about 1838, settling at Shaw's Point. Soon afterward Mr. Hutton left home and was never again heard from. His widow entered Government land and provided a home for her children. She mariicd a third time, wed- ding Cephas Gillette, and went to Springfield, where she spent her last years. Mrs. Groves was carefully reared and given in- struction in the domestic aits that were formerly considered necessary, as the manner of life differed materially from that of today. She knew well how to card, spin and weave, and during the early years of her married life clothed her family in homespun made by her own hands. She is an ex- cellent, housekeeper and has been a wise and affect- ionate mother as well as a companion in whom her husband could safely trust for encouragement and sympathy. The family is made up of six sons and daughters, all living but the second, Emily, who died at the early age of twenty-two years. The survivors are Ellis J., Ann E., George Watson, Sampson S. and Fred Grant. Both Mr. and Mrs. Groves- belong to the Christian Church and they are conscientious and earnest in their efforts to live aright. WILLIAM M. DRENNAN. An honorable record is a suitable subject for gratification, and a man does well to call to mind those facts in his history to which his posterity may look with pride. One who has begun life with no means and by his industry and perseverance, with no aid except that given by a frugal and affectionate wife, has attained a handsome competency and provided for his children the advantages which every father should aim to give them, may well feel pride in his record. Such a man is William M. Drennan, who resides on section 21, North Otter Township. The late Joseph Drennan, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Kentucky, in 1814, and his wife, Elizabeth Withrow, was born in Sangamon County, this State, in 1823. In that county was their early married home, but in 1849 they removed to Macou- pin County, and settled in what is now North ( Hter TowDship. There they made their home for some years, but in 1860 the mother was taken away from her happy household by the hand of death, while the father died in 1*72. This estimable couple had seven children, of whom our worthy subject is the eldest. His native home was in Sangamon County, this State, where he was born November 4, 1842, and he was thus some seven years old when his parents removed to North Otter Township, a here he received his education and his thorough and systematic training upon the farm. Before he had reached his majority the War of the Rebellion had broken out, and though only a boy he fell that he must help the cause of I he Union and defend the honor of the old flag, and with the consent of his loyal and self sacrificing parents he left his home and joined the army. Our young hero enlisted August 14, 1862, in Company li. One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, his term of service extending over three years. The following conflicts were the most im- portant in which he took part: Jackson, (Miss.) Nashville, Tenn., Brandon, Miss., Guntowu and Tu- pelo. He did brave duty in all his army exper- iences and was mustered out of the service at Springfield. III., anil returned to bis old home in North Otter Township, which has with this excep- tion, been his home since 1849. Mr. Drennan has throughout life followed agri- cultural pursuits and upon his fine farm of two hun- dred and forty valuable acres he has erected as comfortable and convenient a set of farm buildings as can be found within many miles. He was mar- ried in North Otter Township, April 24, 1866, to Miss M. L. Johnston, one of the daughters of Isaac B. and Elizabeth (Berry ) Johnston. This worthy couple were born in Muhlenberg County, Ky., but did not meet until they were living in Macoupin County, where Mr. Johnston made Miss Berry his second wife. They were married in Illinois and settled in North Palmyra Township, until their PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 838 removal in 1851, to North Otter Township, where the father died April 20, 1856. The mother sur- vived him some thirty -one years and died in Edgar, Neb., in 1887. By this marriage Mr. Johnston had six children, of whom Mrs. Drennan is the second in order of birth. She was horn in North Palmyra Township. March 20, 1845. Three hright and sprightly children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Drennan, and they bear the names of William ()., Elizabeth E. and Cora E. In the spring of 18'JO Mr. Drennan was elected Supervisor of North Otter Township, and has been Treasurer of the Board of Highway Commissioners for several years and for twelve years has been a member of this board. He is prominent in educa- tional movements and while upon the Board of School Directors was efficient in maintaining a high standard for the school. He has ever taken an active part in political movements and is often chosen as a delegate to the County Conventions of the Democratic party, and during the summer of 1888 he was a delegate from Macoupin County, to the State Democratic Convention, which was held at Springfield, and which nominated (icn. John M. Palmer for Governor. Mrs. Drennan has carefully trained her children, not only in the practical duties of life but also in religious matters, and she is united with them in the communion of the Meth- odist Church. The boyhood of our subject was one that was full of struggles, for his parents, like many at that early day, were very poor. Wh?n a boy of seventeen years he was thrown upon his own resources, and up to the time when he enlisted in the army he had been working upon a farm for wages. The winter previous to his enlistment he worked for his board and attended school, and the first winter after his return from the army he again worked for his board. In the spring of 1866 he rented of Mathew With- row a farm in North < Hter Township, and two years later bought ten acres of brush land in the same township. Here he lived for a year, after which he built a cabin, and as he had come into possession of a small tract of land he removed his cabin to the spot where his beautiful home now stands. As fast as he was able he added to his little estate by pur- chase until now he owns a fine farm of two hundred ami foity acres, upon which he has first-class im- provements and a pleasant, attractive and conven- ient home. 'The beautiful surroundings Of this home and the spirit of hospitality and true friendliness which pervades its moral atmosphere makes it o favorite resort for the neighbors, who so highly esteem this gentleman for his good qualities and who honor him for his past record "I early devo- tion to his country. Mr. Drennan has in his pos- session the first gun that came into Sangamon County. It was carried by his grandfather. ■■■-^., fl JfclLLIAM CHISM is a worthy represent- \ / alive of the successful farmers and stock- \y§y raisers of Western Mound Township, who are so intimately associated with its material pros- perity. He is a native of this county, Chesterfield Township is his birthplace and August 20, 1847, the date of his birth. He is descended from one of the earliest pioneer families of this county. His father, John Chism, was born in Hardin County, Ivy., and was a son of William Chism. who was a Virginian by birth. lie became a pioneer of Har- din County, where he resided until about 1829, when he came to Illinois with ox-teams, bringing his household goods along and cooking and camp- ing by the way. He located in what is now West- ern Mound Township, taking up a tract of Govern- ment land which he entered at the land office at Kdwardsville. He developed a farm, on which he made his home until his mortal career was closed in death. The father- of our subject was nine years of age when his parents brought him to Illinois, and he was reared under pioneer influences. He received his education in the primitive schools of the early days of the settlement of the State, which were taught on the subscription plan, in log houses fur- nished with rude, homemade furniture. After marriage he rented land three years in Chesterfield Township, and then bought a place one and one- fourth miles north of Medina, where he lived the remainder of his life, which was brought to a close at a ripe age in February 1881. The maiden 834 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. name of his wife was Rachel Skeen, and she still lives on the farm where she assisted her husband in the upbuilding of a comfortable home. She is a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of John Ander- son Skeen. She lias reared ten children to good and useful lives. When our subject was born the county was still in the hands of the pioneers, and he has witnessed much of its growth, ;is his life has been passed here amid its pleasant scenes and his education was ob- tained in its schools. He early received a thorough practical drilling in all kinds of farm work, and in due time became an enterprising, successful farmer and raiser of stock. He remained an inmate of the parental household until he married, and he then established a home of his own on section 31, Western Mound Township. He busied himself about its cultivation and improvement, interesting himself in various branches of agriculture, and con- tinuing to reside on that form until 1890, when he bought the farm adjoining upon which he has since made his home. Mr. Chism married in 1868, Mary E. Haynes, a native of Jersey County, III., and in her lie has found a. wife devoted to his interests, who has heartily co-operated with him in his life-work. Six children have hallowed their marriage named as follows: John French, Thomas A., Charles, Nel- lie, Willie and Lester. Our subject is an intelligent, wide-awake man, possessing in a good degree those qualifications that make a man self reliant and helpful, and his ntigh bors find him friendly and obliging. His wife has in him a considerate husband, his children an indul- gent father, and his county a good citizen. We may add that the Republican party has in him a warm supporter. This biographical review would be uncomplete without some further reference to the antecedents of the wife of our subject. Mrs. Chism's father, John Haynes. was born in Rockingham County. Ya.. and he was very young when his father died. He was the youngest of a family of five sons, and he was six years old when his mother removed to Ohio and settled in the wilds of Preble County, where he was reared and married. In 1845 he came from thereto Illinois, making the journey overland and bringing a part of his household goods with him. He settled two miles from Jersey ville, where he rented land. A few years later he settled near Medora, in Chesterfield Township, and that was his home until death called him hence at a ripe age. The maiden name of Mrs. Chism's mother was Sarah Stoner. She is a native of Ohio and a daughter of John and Elizabeth Stoner. She is living at a venerable age, at Jersey ville. ^ J*^* J&S, ULLEN C. GIBSON is a worthy member I _ of the farming community of this county, \^y and his farm, with its well tilled fields and many excellent improvements, compares favorably with the best in Girard Township. Mr. Gibson was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., near Murfreesboro, February 1, 182 •"> . His father, James Gibson, was a son of one of the early pio- neers of that county. He was a stock-raiser and had a large number of horses that used to feed on the canebrake. As the country became settled he pushed on to the frontier, and thus in 183(1 lie came to Illinois, accompanied by his wife and three of their children with their families, making the trip by land, bringing all their household goods along, and camping by the wayside at night dur- ing their journey. After twenty-one days of travel they arrived at their destinat ion in Morgan County, and selected suitable locations on Young- blood's Prairie, seven miles southwest .of Franklin, The grandfather of our subject purchased a tract of wild land, mostly prairie, built on it and act- ively commenced the improvement of a farm, but death cut short his career the same fall. The maiden name of his wife was Rebecca Robinson. She survived her husband some years and finally died at the home of her son Isham in this county. She reared six children to maturity — Betsy. Patsy, Sally, James, John and Isham, all of whom came to Illinois, and John and Patsy are now de- ceased. The father of our subject was reared and mar- ried in Tennessee. He bought a tract of bluegrass land southwest of Murfreesboro, and engaged PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in farming and stock-raising. He was much op posed to the institution of slavery, and on that bccount decided to emigrate to a free stale. Hence lie came to Illinois in 1S30, accompanied by his father ami other members of the family, as before related. He bought land in .Morgan County, on Younghlood's Prairie, and moved into the rude log cabin that stood on the place. That dwelling was a primitive affair, with its roof covered with boards split by hand and held in place by poles. boards split made the door which had wooden hinges and a wooden latch, with the string always out, betokening the hospitality of the family. The chimney was of earth and sticks, and no nails were used in the construction of the building, wooden pins taking their place. This humble abode was but a type of those occupied by the few white set- tlers in that wild, sparsely inhabited region, where there were but few evidences of civilization. There were no railways, and the pioneers had to go across the country over rough roads, or no roads at all, to Alton seventy miles away, to obtain necessary supplies and to market their grain and other produce. Mail facilities were of the poorest, and before stage routes were established the mad was brought with ox-teams or on horseback. That was in the days before envelopes were used, and was prior to the era of cheap postage. Twenty- five cents were charged for each letter, and money being a scarce article, often the whole neighbor- hood was searched to find enough to pay the requisite postage. The father of our subject won an honorable place among the pioneers of Morgan County, con- tributing his quota to its development. He cleared quite a farm, which he provided with good frame buildings, and otherwise improved it. and there in his comfortable home his life was terminated by death January 24, 1855. His wife, who was Han- nah Meredith prior to her marriage, is thought to have been a native of North Carolina, and to have been of Welsh lineage. She attained the venerable age of eighty-seven years, dying in Morgan County in August, 188:5. She was the mother of five children, named William, John, Cullen C Rebecca and Martha. A lad of seven years when he was brought to Illinois, our subject has a distinct recollection of the incidents of frontier life in a newly settled country, and he grew to a stalwart manhood under the invigorating influences of pioneer times. He lived with liis parents until his marriage, and then bought land adjoining the old home, on which stooil a substantial log house that was considered a line dwelling for those days, UB it was built of of hewn logs, shingles covered the roof, it had a puncheon Boor, and the chimney was made of brick. In that, abode he and his wife spent the first few years of their happy wedded life, and four of their children were born under its shelter- ing roof. In 1864 Mr. Gibson sold that place, and coming to this county, he bought the farm that he now occupies, which comprises one hundred and and seventy-three acres of soil of surpassing fertil- ity, finely located close to the village of Girard. Ai the time of purchase the buildings upon it were of a poor claS8, which lie immediately re- placed with a new set of a belter order. In May, 1888, they were burned, entailing a heavy loss, and then Mr. Gibson erected the neat dwelling and outbuildings that now adorn the place. September ID, 1843, was the date of the mar- riage of our subject with Miss Nancy .1. Daugh- erty. who was born in Lincoln County, Ky., May ■>■>. 1*27. John Daugherty, her father, is thought to have been a native of the same State, of which his father. Charles Daugherty. was a pioneer farmer. His list yens wire spent there. Mis. (Jibsou's father was left an orphan at an early age. His early life was passed in his native State, and he was there married. In the fall of 1830 he emigrated to Illinois with his wife and the tWO Children that had been born to them ill their old home, making the removal with teams. He settled on Youngblood's Prairie, purchasing a tract of land, on which stood a log cabin, which became the home of the family for a number of years. In that early day the people were obliged to live in the most primitive fashion, and labor-saving machinery was an unknown quantity to the farmer in carrying on his work. The grain was cut with a sickle until the cradle came into use, and there were no threshing machines, the grain being laid on the ground and tramped out \,\ ,,\en or horses. ;s;;i; PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. There were no fanning mills, and it took three people to winnow the grain, one to pour it out, while two fanned it with a sheet. As Mrs. Gib- son's parents were among the early pioneers of Morgan County, her education was obtained in the primitive pioneer schools of those early days of the settlement of that county. She became accom- plished in the art of spinning anil weaving wool and flax, and in her early married life dressed her family in cloth of her own manufacture. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have twelve children, as follows: Serilda, wife of Frank Gates; James, John, Charles, Hannah, wife of James Wirt; Sarah, wife of George Garst; George; Rinda, wife of Henry Showalter; Isaac, Henry, (ullen, and Lizzie, wife of John Stowe. Our subject and his wife are people of true li'li g'ous character. who are highly thought of in their community as good neighbors and useful citizens. They and all but three of their children are mem- bers of the German Baptist Church, two of their sons being preachers of that denomination, and every good work finds in them hearty support. GEORGE W. SCHMIDT is extensively cn- iness as a dealer in general i^iEOKliE W. SCH l|| „ gaged in busines V^|! hardware, tin wan re and farming implements, his establishment being located at the corner of Macoupin and Chestnut Streets in the thriving village of Gillespie, where he has carried on oper- ations since 1882. He began business on a small scale and as his trade increased, enlarged his stock until he has now a well-filled store which indicates that he receives a liberal patronage. Mr. Schmidt was born in Hesse-Castle, Fursten- hagen, Germany, September 1, 1839, and is a son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Geisce) Schmidt, both born in the Fatherland. The former died at the age of sixty-six years, but the mother is still living at the age of seventy-seven. She is a member of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, as was her husband. In their family were nine children, our subject being the second in order of birth, John was the first to come to America, crossing the At- lantic in 1856. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted at Philadelphia in the service of his adopted country and wore the blue until peace was once more restored. Not long after he died of sickness contracted in the army. Mrs. Eliza Fisher, a sister, also came to this country, crossing the water in company with our subject. She makes her home Brighton. George Schmidt began learning the carriage-mak- ing trade in Hamburg, Germany, where he worked from 1855 until 1860. He then entered the regu- lar army of his country, serving for a short time. Again resuming work at his trade he was employed as a journeyman until 1865, which year witnessed his emigration to America. He took passage at Bremen upon the sailing vessel ''Mozart" and after a voyage of thirty-five days landed in New York City, whence he came at once to Illinois. The first year after his arrival he spent in Palmyra and then took up his residence in Dorchester, Macoupin County, where lie built a wagon shop and began business on his own account. He was at first alone but later associated with him Charles Hoffman, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. Their partnership continued until 1875, when on account of failing health Mr. Schmidt had to abandon that business, and sold out to C. Theuer. He then embarked in the hardware business, carry- ing on a store at that place until 1882, when he removed his stock to Gillespie. On the 28th of February, 1869, in Upper Alton. Mr. Schmidt was joined in wedlock with Miss Louisa Theuer, who was born in St. Louis. Mo., September 17, 1850, and is of German descent. Her father, Edward Theuer, was a Saxon and her mother was a native of Baden. After coming to this country they were married in St. Louis and are now residents of Upper Alton, where Mr. Theuer engages in gardening. Mrs. Schmidt was a maiden of five summers when her parents removed to Upper Alton where she resided until her marriage. By their union have been born seven children as follows: Charles and Mary, now deceased; George W., Ed- ward and William who assist their father in carry- ing on the business, and Emma and Alvena at home. The parents and children are all members PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. y-',i of the German Evangelical Church. In politics Mr. Schmidt was formerly a Republican but now votes with the Democratic parly, and since he came to Gillespie he has been a member of the town Board. A public-spirite.1 and progressive citizen, lie takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community and ranks high among his business associates, and in social circles as well. His fair.il \ holds an enviable position in the social world and the Schmidt household is noted for its hospitality. Sgf§a JOSEPH ENGLAND. One of the pioneer settlers of this .State who has experienced the vicissitudes of a farmer's life from early settlement to the present time is he whose name is at the head of this sketch. He owns and resides on the farm located on section 34, North Otter Township. The encouragements and discouragements of life are all familiar to him, having passed through drought ami flood, grass- hopper scourge and blight and having had his heart gladdened by such luxuriant crops as only Central Illinois can produce when the genius of the weather is in a propitious mood. ( >ur subject's father was John England; his mother was Linnie (Hall) England. Thej were both prob- ably natives of Tennessee, whence they came to Morgan County, III., remaining there only one year. They then came to Macoupin County early in the '30s and settled in North Otter 'Township where they lived until their death. . The original of our sketch was one of the older members of his father's family. He was born in Morgan County. Tcnn., December 29, 1818. He came to Macoupin County with his parents and lived nude:' the home roof until he had attained to years of manhood. He is proud of the fact that lie is o;ie of the oldest set- tlers in North ( Uter 'Township and also of Macoupin County. Our subject was married in his native county December lit, 1839. His wife's maiden name was Mary A. Hays. The lady was born in Martin County, [nd., April 10, 1824. Her parents were William and Elisabeth Hays. Mr. and Mrs. Eng- land have been the parents of thirteen children. 'They are Nancy, l.ucinda, John. William, Samuel, Klisha, Benjamin P., James !•'.. Elizabeth, George F., Thomas .1.. Sebird, Joseph II. The eldest daughter became the wife of W. S. Bond and died in North Otter 'Township when forty-five ye ir- of age; Lu- Cinda ia the wife of John M. Hays; John married Mary S. Thurman; William died in childhood; Samuel married Ellen Swift; Elisha took to wife Ada M. England; Benjamin married Mary Adcock; James F. is deceased; Elizabeth is the wife of Joseph Norvel; George married Elizabeth Adcock; Thomas married Mary Harlan; Sebird died in infancy, Joseph II. when twenty-three years of age. Mr. England has always been engaged in farm- ing, lie owns one hundred and sixty-nine and one half acres. He has erected a good class of build- ings upon his farm and the place is well improved. Mrs. England died in North Otter Township. Au- gust 1"J, 1877. Our subject is a man wdio is liberal in his religious views. No man in the township or county knows so much of the history of the locality and of men who have been prominent here as does our Bubject. lie is genial and hospitable and al- though "lie has lived more than the allotted three- score ,-ind ten his friends hope that he will survive many years. v ,AMES H. SMALLEY, who is successfully engaged in general farming and sheep-rais- ing on section 35, Ililyard 'Township, h;.s the honor of being a native-born citizen of this COUnty, his birth Inning occurred on the old Smalley homestead in Hunker Hill 'Township, in 1810. We have no authentic record concerning the early history of the Smalley family and its es- tablishment in America, but know that the pa- ternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel Smalley, came of an old New Jersey family of English He- brew origin, lie was twice married in his native State, and with his second wife and his children, emigrated to Illinois, traveling from Pittsburg with a one horse team. He located ill Bunker Hill 838 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Township when the city of that name was a mere hamlet. Securing lands he improved a good prop- el ty and lived to see all of his children established in good homes of their own. He and his wife hotli died on the old homestead at an advanced age. They were members of the Baptist Church and were well-known among the early settlers ol this community. The usual trials and hardships of pi- onee/ life fell to their lot. such as having to live upon corn-meal which was ground in a coffee- mill. For some time the family which numbered twrntv-one persons, lived in a small log cabin, yet in the course of time Samuel Smalley became one of the prosperous men of the community. Andrew Smalley. father of our subject, was born in Somerset County, N. .1., in 1815, and in that State learned the hatter's trade, which he followed for several years. About a year previous to his emigration Westward, he married Miss Julia Cox, who was born and reared in Sussex County, and was a daughter of Capt. Restore Cox, a soldier of the War of 1812, who in that struggle, won his ti- tle. After the death of his wife, the Captain, then an old man.came to Illinois and spent his last days in the home of his daughter. On coming West. Andrew Smalley and his wife at once began the work of acquiring a property. He seemed eighty acres of land from the Government, upon which he built if cabin and in true pioneer style, began life. Prac- ticing industry and economy, his financial resources were then; increased and from time to time he made judicious investments of his capital in real estate until he became owner of about twelve hun- dred acres of fine land, all lying within the borders of Macoupin County except one quarter section in Kansas. His land was divided into good faims, upon which he placed many excellent improve- ments. No man did more for the development and upbuilding of this township than Andrew Smalley. and he became one of the prominent and influential as well as the prosperous citizens of the community. In all his labors he was ably assisted and seconded by his estimable wife who proved a true helpmate to him. She was born in 1817, and died at their home in Bunker Hill, in 1872, in the faith of the Baptist Church, of which she was a consistent member. Andrew Smalley was again married, his second union being with Mrs. John- son, who is yet living and makes her home in Bun- ker Hill, at the age of sixty years. He was a mem- ber of the Baptist Church also, and lived an up- right life, worthy the esteem of all. Industry and enterprise characterized h'S career, and fairness marked all of his business dealings. In his death the county lost one of her best citizens. Our subject. James H. Smalley. is the eldest of four surviving children, out of a family of six. His entire life has been spent in this county, and its growth and development, he has witnessed from an early day. Traveling life's journey with him as his faithful wife, is Miss Emma Hopper, their marriage having been celebrated in Bunker Hill in 1862. She was born in Booneville. End., February 7, 1842, and her parents. Rev. J. V. and Lucinda (Johnson) Hopper, were natives of the Buckeye State, where they were reared and mar- ried. After the birth of their first child, a daugh- ter, they removed to Indiana, but in a few years returned to Ohio. Subsequently they came to Ill- inois, settling near Bunker Hill. Where Mr. Hop- per improved and operated a farm. He also en- gaged in preaching as a minister of the Baptist Church, and after years of hard labor retired to private life, removing to Bunker Hill, where he is now living at the age of seventy seven years, while his wife has attained the age of seventy-five years. Their family numbered seven children of whom six are yet living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smalley have been born a family of five children, and death has not once vis- ited the home. Charley O., the eldest, is now con- nected with a street or corapan}' of St. Louis, where he makes his home; L. Etta, Herbert H., Arden E. and Edward ()., are still with their pa- rents. Mr. and Mrs. Smalley attend the Baptist Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. He has traveled extensively through the North and West, and was one of the first to engage in mining in Leadville, Colo. For a half century he has resided in Macoupin County, and with the history of its agricultural interests his name is inseparably con- nected. He owns one of the best farms in Hilyard Township, and in connection with its cultivation, is extensively engaged in sheep raising, in which lie has met with excellent success. He possesses good business ability, is enterprising and pro- gressive, and is accounted one of the valued citi- zens of the neighborhood. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. «;}■! | — -i WANK FRIEDE, who is engaged in gen. L^g eral merchandising in Mt. Olive, was horn \ on the 10th of May, 1859, in Edwardsville, 111., and is a son of Charles J. and Sophia (Han- nan ) Friede, who were natives of Prussia, Germany, where they grew to mature years. The father alone and the mother in company with her parents emigrated to this country in 1854, sailing from Bremen to New Orleans and then came up the river to Illinois, settling in Edwardsville, where a few 3'cars later the young people were married. Mr. Friede followed the trade of a carpenter and when well advanced in years came with his wife to this county, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1881, at the age of fifty -seven years, the mother passing away in 1880, when fifty years of age. She was a member of the Lutheran Church and Mr. Friede was a Catholic in religious belief. Our subject is the eldest of the family of whom three are yet living — Ernst, who is now married and resides in East St. Louis; and Sophia who makes her home in this city. Frank Friede, whose name heads this notice, resided at home until 1874, when he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he spent three years in learning the trade of a confectioner. On the expiration of that time he came to Mt. Olive and established business in that line, carrying on operations with considerable success for seven years, when in 1884, he embarked in general merchandising. Six years later he erected a fine brick store building, 75x30 feet and two stories in height with abasement. It is well tilled with staple and fancy groceries, cloth- ing, dry goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, etc. Mrs. Friede, wife of our subject, was in her maidenhood Miss Frances Schoen. She was born in Montgomery County, III., in 1864, and is a daughter of Albert and Anna (Akerbauer) Schoen, natives of Germany, who on coming to ibis coun- try had located in Illinois. After their marriage they settled in Montgomery County, where Mr. Schoen improved a good farm. I laving acquired a good competence, he and his wife removed to Mt. Olive where they are now living retired, both being well advanced in years. Unto Mr. and .Mrs. Friede have been born an interesting family of time children, all sons — Charles F. Albeit .1. and William A. Mr. Friede holds membership with the Catholic Church and his wife belongs to the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat and for many years has served as a member of the Council and for three yeais was President of the Board. He is now serving as Supervisor of Mt. Olive Town- ship, which was cut off from Staunton Township in 188:;. One of the young business men of the place he has succeeded in winning an excellent trade, having acquired his patronage by fair deal- ing, courteous treatment and a desire to please his customers. As a citizen he is true to every duty and he ranks high both in business and social circles. — -mm- — GEORGE W. WIVES. Among the extensive farmers of Barr Township, the biographer may well mention the name which appears at the head of this paragraph. Mr. Rives is the son of James Rives and Elizabeth Hood, both nat- ives of North Carolina, who have resided in Kent- ucky, previous to their migration to Illinois. Having arrived in the Prairie State they settled in Greene County, about the year 1834 and there the}' died. Our subject first saw the light in Greene County, May 13, 1837, and there he took his early training upon the farm, and in the district school, and did not come to this county until about the time he reached his majority, lie then settled ii| on sec- tion 21 , Barr Township, in 1858, but returned to his native county two years later, to bring for his bride. lie was married January 2.">, I860 to Mis Jemima Deal, i daughter of George and Lucy (Rismiller) Deal, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. 840 PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RFX'ORD. Deal died in Luzerne County, Pa., and the mother in Christian County. III. Their daughter Jemima was born in North Hampton County, Pa., March 9, 1838. To Mr. and Mrs. Rives were granted ten bright and interesting children, namely: Charles P.; Wil- liam H., who married Miss Anna Skaggs; James L., who married Miss Emma Jones; Augustus M., George E., Lenora E., John M.. Harry E., Fvcr- ette A. and Stephen C. These children are all being brought up in the faith of the Christian reli- gion, and are given excellent opportunities of edu- cation, the parents being intelligent and thought- ful and desirous of the best good for their children. They are both earnest members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. Hives is attached to the Republican party. Fanning and stock-raising absorb the greater part of Mr. Rives' interest and efforts and he is successful in his en- deavors. He is the prosperous owner of seven hun- dred and sixty acres, ali in Barr Township. home. He was married at his home in Carlinville, November 30, 1880, to Miss Carrie Bird, the eldest daughter of Joseph Bird, of Carlinville. She was a native of Macoupin County, where, she was born August 17, 1866. The young couple set up housekeeping in the village where their marriage took place and there remained for four years. September 1884, he re- moved to Nilwood Township, and set'led on section 1 where he has ever since been a resident. He has always devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres on which are a series of buildings that speak well in appointment and convenience, of the judgment and taste of their owner. Mr. and Mrs. (lore are the parents of three sons and one daughter. They arc, Forrest Bird, Victor Morris, Joseph Herald, Gladys Isabella. In poli- tics Mr. Gore is an uneomprising Democrat. Our subject is an enterprising, vigorous man. He is a lover of home and family and on ail sides in his house can be seen evidences of culture and refine- ment. Mrs. Gore is a woman of unusual personal attraction, and while devoted to her family, is the center of the social life in her neighborhood. She dispenses with rare grace, the hospitality of their home and happy is the stranger who gains entrance into that home. ORREST D. GORK. There is a well known aphorism that blood will tell. The gentle- man whose name heads this sketch is a worthy representative of a family that for years has been distinguished by virtue of the intellectual superiority, mental vigor and business capacity and push of its members. He is a son of the Hon. David and (indrella (Keller) (J ore of Carlinville, the former of whom is a man noted for his broad intellectuality, and the prominent position he has successfully filled in public life. Our subject was born in Chesterfield, Macoupin County, October 1. 1854, and is now a resident on his farm in Nilwood Township his place being located on section 4. He passed the early years of his life in his native township and until seven years of age, when his parents moved to Carlin- ville, where he grew to manhood. There he passed his years as do most of the village lads, engaged in school life and the sports of boyhood, until he reached mature years when life was serious before After coming to this county this young man him, and he began to think of making himself a took to himself a wife in the person of Caroline M. THEODORE J. TEANEY, a brother of E. A. C. Teaney, who is elsewhere sketched in this volume, is a representative of a well known and honorable family, whose life in Ban- Township, lias given them a just claim to the re- spect and esteem of their neighbors. The father Francis C. and the mother Mary (Huff) Teaney are spoken of more at length in the biography of the other son. In a family of twelve children, Theodore is the fifth, the date of his nativity being June 20. 1825. He was born in Augusta County, Va., ami came to Greene County. III., with his par- ents and there grew to manhood. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. M I Colby, who became the mother of six children, namely: Silas F., died in boyhood: Alpheua L. died :it the age of fourteen; Mary the third child was taken away al the age of sixteen; Sylva L. is the wife of Thomas Tabscott; Eri E. married Miss Jennie Maxwell; Theodore J. married Miss Nora Havens. Mrs. Caroline Teaney died in Hair Town- ship many years ago leaving her family to deeply mourn her loss. The second wife of our subject bore the maiden name of Martha J. Vaughn and she brought her husband five children, John A., George A., Ephraim E., Cora O. and Martha .1. Thei] mother was taken from them in 1884. The present Mrs. Tea- ney was before her marriage with our subject, Mrs. Elizabeth (Drake) Shelton. .She is a woman of ability and influence and takes an active part in religious affairs, filling a useful sphere of influence. Tne political views of Mr. Teaney have led him to affiliate with the Democratic party. lie has always followed agricultural pursuits and has not given his time to office seeking. His farm of one huiv dred and thirty-eight acres, shows the mark of patient, persevering endeavor and a thorough un- derstanding of the needs of agriculture. Mr. Teaney is wide-awake upon educational themes and has served as School Director. Their pleasant home is the scene of a cordial hospitality and fre- quent reunions of friends of genial nature and true culture. ^ ^2}) APT. LEVI M. HESS. The days of the f|( Civil War have not so far passed into his- ^^^/ tory as to have impaired the personal inter- est which the present generation should take in those heroes who battled bravely for the Union and the honor of the old flag. We still have among us men in the prime of life who were the heroes of those days, and the patriotic impulses of our younger people may well be stirred by a recountal of their sufferings and conflicts. We are there- fore doubly pleased to present a sketch of Capt. Hess, whose record both in times of peace and times of war is worthy of publication. Our subject was born on a farm two miles smith of Goshen, Elkhart County. Ind., October 15, 1840. His father, Elias Hess, was a native of Franklin County, Ohio, born in 1810, and was the Bon of the Rev. Bolser Hess, of Germany, who came to America in the early Colonial days and settling with his fallal's family near Bedford, Pa, He was quite young when he became an emigrant and was reared in Pennsylvania and became a pioneer of Franklin County. Ohio. He resided there until 1 82!» when he removed to Elkhart County, Ind. At that time that section of the country was very sparsely settled and Indians still lingered near them. The county was not yet organ i/.ed and the land was not in market until three years after this pioneer "squatted" upon the tract which he chose for his home. As soon as it was possible he entered two sections of land within two miles of the present site of Goshen. He had erected a log house in the woods and at once began to clear the land. No railroads nor canals furnished means of transit through that section, and Ft. Wayne, fifty-three miles distant was the nearest market. Bolser Hess was a successful man and acquired a handsome property, dying in 1858. He was a preacher in the Baptist Church and very useful in his work among his pioneer neighbors. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Immell and she was of French ancestry. She spent her last years here with her children. The father of our subject was but nineteen years old when his parents settled in Elkhart County, and he remained at home for some time after his marriage, as his father desired his help upon the homestead. He then gave him one hundred and sixty acres of land which was a portion of his orig- inal entry, and there he resided until after the war. when he sold out and removed to Marshall County, buying a farm there which he still owns, although he resides in Hois D'Arc, Mo. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Lucinda Wright. She was born near Wheel- ing. W, V:i.. and was a daughter of Enoch and Jane (Abshire) Wright. She died on the home farm in Marshall County, Ind., after having reared to maturity thirteen of her fourteen children. Three of them, Ezra, Isaiah and our subject served 842 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sis soldiers in the late war. The former was killed in the powder explosion at University Place in the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee. Isaiah was wounded at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga. Levi Mess was reared upon the farm and remained under the parental roof until the breaking out of the war. He enlisted at the first, call for troops, April 15, 1861, joining Capt. Haskell's company. The company was not accepted and he again en- listed at the second call in July of the same year, joining Company B, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infan- try. In 1804 he was transferred to Company G and continued to serve with this regiment until after the close of the war. The young man enlisted as a private and was promoted to Sergeant and then to First Lieutenant, and December G, 1864, he received the commission of a Captain anil was placed in command of Com- pany G, of which he had charge through the re- mainder of his term of service. He was discharged with the regiment at Marietta, Ga., and paid (iff at Indianapolis, December 12, 1865. Returning home Capt. Hess decided ti> prepare himself more fully for business life, and going to Chicago, entered Eastman's Business College where he graduated in 1866. He then accepted for a short time a position as book-keeper in a stove store in that city, before returning to Goshen. From there he went to Springfield, Mo , where lie engaged in teaching and farming until 1871, when he came to Macoupin County and bought a farm in Virden Township, which property he still owns. He engaged in fanning till 1881 and then forme 1 a partnership with John F. Huston for the purpose of engaging in the hardware and furniture busi- ness, combining with this the sale of agricultural im- plements under the firm name of Hess & Huston. The happy marriage of Capt. Hess and Miss Annie B. Clay took place in August, 1866. This lady is a daughter of Henry and Lucy (Webber) Clay. To Mr. and Mrs. Hess were granted two beautiful daughters, whom they have brought up in the faith of the Christian Church and educated according to the best opportunities of which they could avail themselves. Martha is now the wife of John W. Sumner and Lulu is at home with her parents. Mr. Hess is connected with the Virden Lodge No. 161, A. F. & A. M. and the Girard Chapter No. 281. also with the Virden Lodge No. 534, I. O. O. F., and is prominently identified with the John Baird Post No. 285, G. A. R. rtt fifcEYE H. WEYEN, deceased, was born in \jsJ// Hanover, Germany, October 20, 1820, and \jyvj died at his home in Cahokia Township, on March 15, 1889, respected by all who knew him. In the usual manner of farmer lads his boyhood days were passed and in the common schools of Germany he acquired his education. The year 1851 witnessed his emigration to America, lie was then a young man and had resolved to ti 3- his fortune in the New World, of whose advantages and opportunities he had heard so much. The vessel on which he took passage sailed from Bremen to New Oilcans, whence became up the Mississippi River to Alton. He began life in Madison County as a fanner. Some years later his parents also came to the United States, locating in Macoupin County, where they resided until death, both being well ad- vanced in years when they passed away. While residing in Alton, Mr. Weyen was joined in wedlock with Miss Mate Johnson, also a native of the Province of Hanover, Germany, born February 17, 1827. When a young woman she bade adieu to the Fatherland and her people and on the same ship in which her sweetheart had taken passage, she crossed the waters to America. Her home she made in Alton until, just a year after her arrival in this country, she became the wife of Mr. Weyen. They continued their residence in Madi- son County for some nine years, living upon a farm and then came to Macoupin Count}-, in 1865, the husband purchasing land on section 8, Cahokia Township. When they were married their cash capital consisted of only $5 but they started out in life together hand in hand, determined to win suc- cess and at length a large and finely improved farm of six hundred acres was yielding to them a golden tribute. Thereon Mr. Weyen continued to make his home until his death. He was a man of great energy PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. si;; and perseverance, possessed also of g 1 manage- Father's farm was the scene of his early training ment and excellent business ability. The obstacles and be received such intellectual stimulus and which arose in his path, -he made to serve other education as was to be found in the pioneer schools than adverse purposes and where many a man of of Macoupin County. In those fundamental insti- less resolute character would have despaired, he tutions of learning a noble start was given to many seemed to lake fresh courage after an encounter a worthy citizen, for although their course was not with difficulties and to press forward with renewed a broad one the drill was.decp and the effect en- zeal. In politics he was a Democrat and in re ligions belief a Lutheran. In hisdeath the county lost one of its best citizens, bis neighbors a kind friend and his family a loving and considerate hus- band and father. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weyeti were hum six chil- dren and with the exception of John who died in childhood, all are yet. living. Heye who wedded Minnie Meinicke owns and operates a farm in Honey Point Township; Mary is the wife of < leorge < tster- camp who owns an excellent farm in the same town;Tace wedded A Hie Schmidt and resides on a part of the old homestead; Tt-nnie married John W. Schmidt, they reside in Gillespie Township; John still lives with his mother and assists her in her business affairs. Mrs. YVeyen is still living on the large farm in Cahokia Township which she has successfully managed with the help of hei since her husband's death, she. too, is a member of the Lutheran Church and is a lady whose many excellencies Of character have won her many friends. Her youngest son wdio has the burden of the farm work upon his shoulders, is a young man of excel lent business ability, wide-awake and progressive and will doubtless have a successful career. -:- O *— SLOUGH F. LOVELESS. Among the n prominent families in Bird Township who have made their mark in the farming com- munity by the thoroughness and efficiency of their work and the sterling value of their char- acter, wo find the one represented by the gentle- man whose name appears at the bead of this brief life review. A resume of Ihe family history will he found with the biography of his brother, -1. II. Our subject was horn in this township, June 2. 1843, aisd here he has grown up to manhood. His during. This son was one of the younger in his father's household and he made his home under the parental roof until his man ; Snali A.. Sell was the maiden name of the lady who became Kirs. Hugh F. Loveless March:!. 1864. al St. Louis. Mo. Her parents. Michael and Sarah (Brown) Sc|| were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. They had made their home in Indiana some time previous to their coming to Macoupin County. 111., which was at an call}' day. They settled in Western Mound Township, and after many years' residence there removed to Tiird Township and afterward to ( 'aiTui ville, but spenl their latter days in Nil wood Township, where Mr. Sell did June 22, 1886. The ag, 1847, and she made her home with her parents until her marriage. The young couple then settled in Bird Township upon lie spot which they now call home. Mr. Loveless has made a thorough siiuly of agriculture and is well informed in regard to all branches of farming and stock-raising, and more than this has achieved a practical success in his efforts. He owns three hundred and forty acres and has upon his farm a line set of farm buildings. Four promising children came to brighten the home of our subject : one. Edgar L., died at the age of four and one-half years, bill the others have grown io in' a comfort and support to their parents. Albert P. married Miss Etta Adams and Francis F. and Cora I-', are still at home with their parents. The office of School Director has been admirahlv tilled by our subject. In his political views he is in favor of the doctrines Of the Democratic party and he has evi'i ca8t his vote in ils favor. The Shiloh Baptist Church is Ihe body of Christians with which they are connected and there they have 844 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. proved themselves earnest and efficient workers. Mr. Loveless is known far and wide as a prudent and well-balanced man whose natural character- istics, supplemented by the training which be has given himself, have made him prosperous anil influ- ential. His connection by marriage with some of the most influential families in the township also added to his social strength. lOBERT R. TOMPKINS, who passed away from life in Woodburn, October 3, 1871, was one of the most respected and esteemed M|) citizens of that pleasant village. For a few years previous to his decease, he had been re- tired from business as a miller in which line of work he had built up a very line business and had established a beautiful home in the western part of Woodburn. He had lived either in this village or in the town of Bunker -Hill since 1835, when he came to this place which is now called Woodburn, and found it in its primitive condition, lie helped to build it up and was one of its leading citizens. In his early years he was a carpenter, but later took the management of the Woodburn flouring mills, and when they burned down be rebuilt near the old site. Mr. Tompkins operated the new mill on his own account, until he retired to enjoy his accumulated fortune, a few years prior to his death. He had a host of friends in this part of the county and a large circle of acquaintances, for the first mill which he managed was the first one built in this county and the early settlers used to come to it also from Bond and Madison Counties. The friendly and upright dealing of this good miller with his customers ensured to him their friendship and their continued patronage. As an upright. Christian man, he had no peer in that part of the country, lie was for many years a Deacon in the Congrega- tional Church, and he took an active interest in everything which concerned Woodburn and Macoupin County. He helped to organize and was one of the charter members of the Congregational Church and he gave liberally to its work and was a faithful teacher in the Sunday-school. He showed a like interest in all educational matlers and was one of the early advocates of the free schools in this part of the State. The subject of this sketch was born in Spottsyl- vania Count\', Ya.. January 5, 1811, and there grew up under the care of his worthy parents, who lived and died in their native count} r . They were people who were highly respected by all who knew them. In 1834, while yet a young man, he came to this count}', having already learned the trade of a carpenter. lie was married at Woodburn anil chose for his wife Miss Susan Hamilton, who was born in Hampden County, Mass., March 22, 181'.). She is the daughter of Lemuel and Margaret (Quig- ley) Hamilton, natives of Massachusetts, both be- longing to old New England families. Mr. and Mis. Hamilton grew up and were mar- ried in the Bay State, and were the first settlers at Chester. Mass. Here all their children were born anil then as a family they came in 1836 by way of canal and river to the western land. They made a six weeks' journey and landed at St. Louis and afterward came to Edwardsville. Later they came on to Woodburn, and here Lemuel Hamilton and his wife with their unbroken household began their new life. The}- were, however, somewhat advanced in years for pioneers. Mr. Hamilton died in Woodburn, at the age of seventy-eight years and Mrs. Hamilton was sixty-three years old at the time of her decease. They were both earnest and consistent members of the Congregational Church and found in their church connections a wide field of usefulness. Mr. Hamilton was very decided in his political views but never was an office seeker or an office holder. Mrs. Susan Tompkins, whose deceased husband is the subject of this sketch, was the youngest of the two daughters and two sons born to her par- ents. One sister, Mts. James B. Tompkins, also of Woodburn, is yet living. The brothers, William and James Hamilton both died, one in Bond County, and one at Bunker Hill. Both left wives and families. Mrs. Tompkins is a noble woman and is possessed of a true Christian character. She is a faithful member of the Congregational Church. She highly reveres the memory of her departed PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 845 husband. They became the parents of twelve children, three of whom died — Emily, Susan and Eliza. Those who survive are: Ann, the wife of Martin L. Cat likor. a fanner in Montgomery Coun- ty; Mary II., wife of Martin I.. Alford, residing in Woodburn; Sarah A., the wife of Andrew Wilson, now living at Rosemond, III.; .lane ('.. wife of Edward Hollister of St. Louis; Catherine 1).. wife of David Edwards, operating a printing office in the same city; William B., who took to wife Miss Elizabeth Woodard of Detroit, where they now re- side; Clara A., wife of Dr. C. E. Axline. residing at Lancaster, Ohio, where her husband is a physi- cian and surgeon; Fanny W. is at home with her mother, and Julia IS. is the wife of Benjamin R. Foster of St. Louis. .Mo. The children of the family have all been brought up in a truly religious life and have endorsed the faith of their parents by connecting themselves with Christian Churches. They all belong to either the Presbyterian or Con- gregational Churches. JOSEPH LOWDERMILK. Among the public-spirited men of Virden Township, few are more wide awake in regard to edu- cational and religious work and all mattets which pertain to the moral and material well-being of the community than he whose name appears at the head of this brief sketch. He is the seventh in order of age in a patriarchal family of fourteen children, the offspring ot Jacob and Sarah ( Bent ley ) Lowdermilk, residents of Sangamon County. III. Our subject was born in Hamilton County. Mo., June 5, 1851, and was a baby two years old when his parents removed to this Mate, settling in Mor- gan County. After one year's residence there thej made their home in Auburn Township. Sangamon County, and there this boy received the advantages of the common schools and received industrial training upon his father's farm. lie early chose agriculture as his life work and has ever devoted himself persistently and successfully to farming. Mr. Lowdermilk was married November 11. 1869, to Miss Marv F. Stutzinan at the residence of tin' bride's father. She is a daughter of the late Dan- iel ('.and Hannah ( Wmeland ) Stutzinan. Their daughter. Mary F. Was born October 18, L850, in Elkhart County. Ind. After marriage the young couple made their home in Virden Township for al I tWOyeirS anil then removed to Ricks Town- ship, Christian ( lountj . this Mate, and resided there for tour year-, after which they returned to Virden Township Three year- Intel- they returned to Christian County, where they remained until the spring of IS'.MI, after which they returned to Virden Township. The gentleman of whom we write has devoted himself principally to farming, although he has found both pleasure and profit in teaching music, in which branch of education he is an enthusiastic proficient, One hundred and thirty-two acres of rich and arable soil constitutes his farm and upon it may be seen the best class of farm buildings and a beautiful home. To Mr. and Mrs. Lowdermilk were given eight beautiful children, viz: Jda F. ; Lillian E. who died April lfi. 1891 ; Alvin A . Cora E., Fddie J., Fred- die 1) , William and Viola, The eldest daughter i- now the wife of Horace Eslerbrook. The mother of these children passed away from earth Match II. 1800. The second marriage of Mr. Lowder- milk, which united him with Miss Adella Jumper, took place November 7, 1890. He has ever taken a g I degree of interest in educational matter-. and m his office a- School Director has efficient!}' promoted the welfare of the township. His polit- ical views ally him with the Democratic party, and as a member of the Baptist Church be is an efficient worker in religious movements. •fe^E ^N EV. THOMAS MILTON METCALF, we'l known and honored as a resident of Car- ' \ linville. and as n minister of the Missionary \£) Baptist denomination, was born in Hop- kin- County. Ky.. November 10, L828. His father, William Metcalf, Jr., was born in Christian County, Ivy.. December 7. 1809. I li- father. William Met- calf. Sr., was a native of North Carolina. lie 846 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. grew to manhood in that State, and subsequently became one of the early settlers of Christian County, Ky. He resided there a few years, and then removed to Hopkins County, where he purchased a tract of timber land. In 18:55 he emigrated thence to Illinois, and became a pioneer of Macoupin County, buy ing bind in Barr Town- ship, where he engaged in farming and made his home until his death. The father of our subject was reared to agricul- tural pursuits, and his father gave him a tract of timber land in Hopkins County, which he farmed until 1835. In that year he came to Illinois, ac- companied l>v Ids wife and four children, utakii g the entire journey overland, bringing all his earthly possessions with him, camping and cooking by the way. After fifteen days travel the family ar- rived in Macoupin County on the 22d of April. Mr. Metcalf entered one hundred and sixty acres of Government land in Barr Township, and also bought a quarter-section nearby in Western Mound Township. There was a log house on Hie place which he purchased, and in the month <>i Septem- ber he moved into it with his family. At that lime the surrounding country presented a far dif- ferent appearance from what i! does to-day, as it was in a wild, sparsely-settled condition, with uo railways or other means of communication with the outside world, except rough prairie roads or Indian trails. For many years after that St. Louis was the nearest market and depot for supplies. Mr. Metcalf resided on his first purchase tun years, and then bought two hundred acres of bind across the line in Greene County, lie remained there until 1857, when he removed to Girard, where he now lives retired at the venerable age of eighty-one years. The good wife who has jour- neyed by his side for over half a century is still with him. She was born in Muhlenberg County, Ky., January 1, 1812. and her maiden name was Huldah A. Davis. Her father, William Davis, was born either in Virginia or Kentucky. lie was a son cf Richard Davis, who is thought to have been a native of England. Richard Davis went from Virginia to Kentucky in the early days of its set t lenient, and was a pioneer of that State. The removal was made by pack horses, and the wife carried one of the two children in her arms, and the other rode on the horse behind her, attached to her by a surcingle. At that lime there were but few white settlers in Kentucky, and the aboriginal inhabitants were so hostile that the pioneers lived in forts and when they cleared and cultivated their bind bad a guard, that they might not be surprised and massacred by the savages. The great-grandfather of our subject located at first on the banks of the Kentucky River, but he afterward removed to Hopkins County, seem ing a large tract, of land and cleared a farm, on which he spent his remaining days. His wife also died there. Her maiden name was Ann Childs, and she w is a native of Virginia. The grandfather of our subject was reared in Kentucky, and resided there until 1822, when he went to Mississippi. Three years later he returned to Hopkins County, Ky., and resumed farming on the old homestead, which he never afterward left until death called him hence. Tin 1 maiden name of his wife was Messa- niah Karl, and she was born in South Carolina, a daughter of John and Nancy (Burns) Earl. She also died on the old Davis homestead. Our subject was seven years old when became to Illinois with his parents, lie attended the pio- neer schools, and assisted on the farm during his vouth. At the age of nineteen be taught one term of school, lie then studied medicine one year, but concluded thai profession was not suited to his taste, and turning his attention to mercantile pur- suits, engaged as a clerk in a general store. After three years behind the counter his health failed, and he engaged in farming < year. At the ex- piration of that time he established himself in the mercantile business at Greenfield, which he carried on from 1852 until 1855. In the latter year he removed to Girard and entered the lumber business as a member of the firm of McKinney & Thomp- son, and later he engaged in the hardware busi- ness. At the age of nineteen years our subject was converted, and at the age of thirty he joined the Missionary Baptisi Church, and has thus from his youth up devoted himself earnestly to the advance- ment of religion. When he was forty-eight years of age he was licensed to preach, and has served as PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sir pastor .it Carlinville and Nilwood, besides supply- ing the pnlpil of Charitj ('lunch in Bird Town- ship, three years, and lie has done much to build up his beloved church dnrin" these years thai lie has la bore I so faithfully. The Rev. Mr. Metcalf was married at Waverly, Morgan County, January 29, 1850, to Miss Emma L. Thayer. .Mrs. Metcalf was born at Amhersl Hampshire County, Mass., July 19, 1832, a daugh- ter of Asahel Thayer, who was hum in the same county and state it is supposed. His father was Josiah Thayer, who. as far as known, spenl his en- tire life in that county. His wife was Avis How- ard, she was a native of Massachusetts. Mrs. Metcalf's fatberpassed his early years in his h state, and when a young man engaged in mercan- tile business and later in the manufacture of car- riages at Amherst. In 1889 he came to Illinois and located at Chatham, Sangamon County, where he resided until 1844. In that year he removed to La Grange, Mo., whence he returned to Chatham two years later. A few months after that, he opened a general store at Waverly, Morgan County, which he managed until 1877. He then went to Taylorville to live with a daughter, and died there one month later. The maiden name of his wife was .Mary Cannon, and she » a- also a native of Hampshire County. Mass. She died at Wav- erly. Met- father. Josiah Cannon, was of Massa- chusetts birth, and spent his whole life in his native State. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf have no children of their own, but they have nobly acted the part of father and mother to no less than four children, whom they have reared and educated. Their adopted daugh- ter, Kate Milton Metcalf, is now the wife of X. Y. Hall, of Brushy Mound Township, and they have one child, named Howard Metcalf flail. Lucy .1. McBride, Charles M. Kinney ami Ida F. Wyn- koop, are the others reared by our Subject anil his wife. Lucy married James F. Duncan, of Western Mound Township, and they have live children. Charles, who resides al Carlinville, is married ami has four children. Ida married John C. Helm it'll, of Denver, and they have One child. Mr. Metcalf was a Whig in politics until the formation of the Republican parly, since which time he has been identifi al with that, lie ha- hi Id several responsible public offices, and has always shown himself to he earnestly interested in the welfare of his town and county wherever he re- sided, lie served as Justice of the Peace in Greene County, and also at Girard, from is;,;, until 1866. He was a member of the Village Board of Trus- tee-. I. oil, .-it Waverly and al ( '. irard. and during Lincoln's administration he was Postmaster at, Girard. In 1869 he was elected Clerk of Macou- pin County, ami removed to Carlinville, of which lie lias since I, ecu a resident. He was re-elected in 1878 to that office and served two full terms. AM ES M. ATCHISON, who is engaged in general merchandising in Gillespie, is one of the native citizens of this county. He was born in Bunker Hill, January 10, 1860, and i- a -on of Elridge Atchison, a native of Tennes- see, who in his youth learned the trade of a car- penter and cabinet-maker. While still single he came to Illinois ami in Edwardsville met and mar- ried his wife, whose maiden nam • was Kucehia Wilson. She was horn in Kentucky and during her maidenhood settled in Madison County. Some time after their marriage Mr. Atchison and his wife came to this county, where he embarked in farm- ing iiea.- Bunker Hill. He became one of the prom- inent and leading citizens of this community and served as Postmaster of the city of Bunker Hill for a number of years, tilling the office daring Presi- dent Lincoln's administration ami again under President Grant. At length he -esigned, since which lime he has been living a retired life, lie is now eighty years of age and one of the well- known and highly respected people of the commu- nity. His wife has attained the age of three-score and ten and she is a in< mber of tin Baptist Church. ()u the organization of the Republican party Mr. Atchison joined its rank- and at the last election supported Benjamin Harrison for the Presidency. The Atchison family during the late war was rep- resented by tli'' father and three sons; the former, with his son Thomas enlisted iii the Seventh III- 818 rOKTKALT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. inois Infantry, Mr. Atchison being at that time fifty -one years of age. Thomas continued in the service until the close of the war. The father was honorably discharged for disability, suffering from the hardships and trials of army life. The other two sons, Alex C. and Nathan I)., both enlisted at the early part of the war. the former becoming First Lieutenant of Company A, Ninety seventh Illinois Infantry. He was killed a> the battle of Yieks- burg, at which time he was commanding a com- pany, as the Captain, Mr. Woods was then off duty. Nathan enlisted at the age of sixteen years and though young proved himself a brave soldier. After participating in many engagements lie was shot by the enemy at Altoona Pass. Ga. Mr. E. Atchison was placed on the pension rolls in 1877 for disabilities received in the service of his country, at the rate of $12 per month from the time of his discharge from the army, aggregating about $2,000. He remained a pensioner until 1886, when under the administration of President Cleve- land, after having applied for an increase in Ins pension, he was cut down to ? I per month, which he refused to accept and wrote the Commissioner of Pensions to that effect. He remained off the rolls until 1891, when he was again restored to the pension rolls at the rate of *17 per month, and now draws that amount. The subject of this sketch is the tenth in order of birth of the family of eleven children, six of whom are yet living. He was reared to manhood in Bun- ker Hill and vicinity and in the public schools ac- quired his education. He married in 1882 Miss Elizabeth Roberts, who was born September 10, 1860, in Bunker Hill. Her parents were 'William and Mary (Lewellyn) Roberts. The father was a wheelwright and wagon-maker by trade, which oc- cupations he followed for many years. He came from Kentucky, his native State, to Bunker Hill, where he died at the age of fifty years. He was a Democrat in politics and a prominent citizen of the community. His widow, a native of Virginia, is a member of the Methodist Church, still survives him and is now about sixty years of age. Nine children were born of this union, of whom seven are yet living. Mr. Atchison is a member of the Baptist Church and his wife of the Methodist Church; they are widely known throughout this community, ta ng rank among the leading young people of Gillespie. In politics our subject is a Republican and keeps himself well informed on all the leading questions of the day, both political and otherwise. He is recognized as a straightforward, upright business man who well deserves the liberal patronage which he now receives. lb; entered upon his mercantile career in 1875, in the employ of T. E. Dow, and in 1886, when that gentleman established a branch house in Gillespie, Mr. Atchison was placed in charge continuing as manager of the store for two years, when in 1888 he became owner. He carries a full line of goods and by his earnest desire to please his customers, his genial manner and fair dealing, has built up an excellent trade. ■ -#••:■• viSOl of an old Sci /// * of the cliara <^JJ grandfather NDREW Mi DONALD, of Gillespie, comes of an old Scotch family and inherits many racteristics of that race. The of our subject. George Mc- Donald, after the death of his first wife, crossed the Atlantic to America and located in Kentucky about 1798. Many years later he followed the course of emigration which was steadily drifting Westward and in 182s took up his residence in Greene County, HI. He left Kentucky on account of his opposition to slavery, and after settling m Greene County he was again married when quite old. He was a worthy and highly respected gentle- man and passed away when well advanced in years. James McDonald, the father of our subject, was a native of Scotland, and in that country learned the trade of a stone-cutter. When a young man he accompanied his father to America and in Ken- tucky was married to a lady who died in that State in the prime of life. Of that union there were born five children, but only two are now liv- ing. James McDonald subsequently made a home in Greene County, 111., where he was a second time married, his union being with Miss Mary All- man, a lady of Welsh and English descent. They PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 849 spent their entire married lives in Greene County, where James McDonald died ai the age of sixty- five years, and li is wife when forty years of age. lie was a member of the Episcopal Church and his wife a Presbyterian, and they were highly respected citizens of the community in which they made their home. The subject of this sketch was only three and a half years old when his father was called to his final rest and by an uncle and an aunt he was reared, remaining at their home until after the breaking out of the late war, when, in 1862, he joined the hoys in blue of Company 1, Ninety- first Illinois Infantry. The company was com- manded by Capt. S. H. Culver, and the regiment at the order of Col. H. M. Day proceeded South- ward, They met the enemy in battle at Elizabeth, Ky., at which place a detachment of the regiment was captured, Mr. McDonald being among the number. Later, however, they were paroled and on rejoining the command were sent to the South. Another battle occurred at Morganza, and for some time they fought the enemy in their own Stronghold. Mr. McDonald was a second time captured near Blakeley, Ala., and held by the ene- my for some weeks. He was placed within the walls of Meridian, Miss., prison. He had many narrow escapes, having at one time had his Kg broken while on skirmish duly and on another occasion the eagle on his cartridge box saved his life. A bullet struck the metal and rebounded. but the force was great enough to knock him down. When the war was over he was honorably discharged at Springfield, 111., July 27. 18G5. He still has in his possession the old canteen which he carried throughout the service. He has a brother, (ieorge McDonald, that served during the war in Company D, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry. Mr. McDonald immediately returned to Greene County, where for some lime he again worked at his trade of carpentering. It was in that county on the 25th of November, 186'.). that he wedded Miss Sarah F. Farmer, who was born in Tennes- see, near the Kentucky line. November 2.3, 1844, and is a daughter of Henry I), and Mary E. (Gooch) Farmer, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. They removed to Illinois about 1847, and after living in Wayne County for a time, took up their residence in Macoupia County, where Mr. Farmer died in lHH.j, at the age of sixty-live years. Throughout his life he engaged in agricultural pursuits. His widow still survives and makes her borne with Mrs. McDonald at the age Of sixty-nine years. She is a second cousin of the Hon. Thomas Benton. Her family is noted fur longevity. Her husband was a member of the Methodist Church, to which she too belongs, and no better citizens ever resided in this community. The grandfather of Mrs. McDonald served in the War of 1812, anil the greatgrandfather was a Revolutionary hero. By the union of our subject and his wife has been born a daughter, Mary Adella, an accom- plished and well educated young lady, who assists her father in the duties of the post-office. Mr. McDonald is a Presbyterian in religious faith, although not a member of the church, but his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. They take great pleasure in collecting old coin and other relics and have almanacs of every year back to 1840, In their possession are also a number of walking sticks, family heirlooms, which were brought from Scotland to this country, and are over three hundred years old. In politics Mr. Mc- Donald is a stalwart Republican, prominent in local affairs, and for sixteen years has been a cen- tral committee man in Gillespie Township. He has also been Township Clerk, and is now the Postmaster of Gillespie. -V valued citizen, a faith- ful soldier and a capable official, he is well deserv- ing of a representation in this volume. r^YOBKRT D. QUIGLEY owns and operates \s\ a fine farm of one bundled and sixty acres ' \\\ on section .'in, (Jillespie Township, where he \£) has resided for the long period of thirty- four consecutive years. In addition to this he owns eighty acres of timber land. The fine build- ings seen upon the place, the many improvements, the well tilled fields and good grades of stock, all indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner who P.iO PORTRAIT AND HIOCKAPIIICAL RECORD. is numbered among the successful ami well-to-do farmers in this locality. He is a native of Ala- bama, his birth having occurred in the city of Mobile, October 18, 1832. The Quigley family is of Irish descent and of Presbyterian belief. It was established in America by emigrants from the Emcrld Isle who crossed the Atlantic, settling in New Jersey prior to the Revolutionary War. and subsequently removing to Alabama. The grand- parents of our subject were Daniel and Mar Quigley. He served in the Colonial Army during the War for Independence and in later years went to Mobile, Ala., where both he and his wife died at an advanced age, William Quigley, the father of our subject, was born and reared in New Jersej and in Trenton, in 1825, led to the marriage altar Eliza Somers, who was born near Camden and was a daughter of Isaac and Hannah Somers. natives of England. their marriage they emigrated to tic United Slates, settling in New Jersey. Their removal caused a break in the family chain, where if the records were clear, it would entitle the descendants to a large fortune. They continued to reside in New Jersey during the remainder of their lives and were mem- bers of the Society of Friends. Mr. and Mrs. Wil- liam Quigley s i after their marriage went South to Mobile. Ala., where for some years before he had been engaged as a mason and bricklayer. Afterward lie became a contractor and was the architect of many of the leading buildings in that city, where he had first located when it was a small town. In Mobile he spent his entire active life and died of scarlet fever in 1836, at the a ol thirty-five years. Mrs. Quigley afterward returned to the North and spent her last days al the home of her son George William in Gillespie Townsh p. She was born in 1X01. and died July II, 1869. In their family were five children, of whom Rol Cordelia and George W. are yet living. The subject of this sketch, who was the fourth in order of birth, grew to manhood in his native city and acquired an excellent education, under the tutorship of Prof. Norman Pinney, a graduate of Yale College and a prominent educator ol the South. Into his mini! was instilled lessons of in- dustry, such as would prove of practical benefit to him and he has never forgotten the excellent train- ing of his youth. lie wis only three years old when his father died but be remained in Mobile until twenty years of age. when he accompanied his mother to Illinois and since his marriage has resided upon the farm which is still his home. On June 7. 1855, Mi'. Quigley was joined in wed- lock with Miss Mar) J. Parks, a native of Christian County, Ky., and a daughter of James and Mary P. (Harlan) Parks. They were both natives of Virginia, aid emigrated with their respective families during their childhood to Kentucky, where they grew !•> mature years and were married. Six children were horn unto them in that State and thej then cniiie in 1833 to Illinois, traveling oxer- land with teams to Gillespie Township, Macoupin County, where Mi'. Parks purchased a small farm. lie died two years Inter. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1884, when a very old lady. They adhered to tie' faith of their ancestors and were members of Hie Presbyterian Church. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Quigley have been bom five childri n, bul one died in infancy and Mary is also deceased. Walter S. married Sarah Spillman and is a farmer of Ililyard Township: Hubert P. and Jessie C. are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Quigley are members of the Presbyterian Church, hold a high position in tin- social world and are numbered among the highly res| ted people of this com- munity. He is a Republican in politics and has held a number of local offices, Y OSEPH HOWELL, a furniture dealer and undertaker of Brighton, who has carried on business at this place since 1859, is of Eng- lish birth. His grandfather, William How- ell, was born and reared in Gloucestershire, England, where throughout his business life he fol- lowed blacksmilhing and when well advanced in years, died near the place of his birth. John How- ell, father of our subject, also a native of Glouces- tershire, was a broadcloth weaver and followed that occupation foi some time. He married an Eng- lish lady. Miss Martha Jones, who spent the days PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 85 1 of her maidenhood in Gloucestershire. Some years attei their marriage they removed to Leeds, York- shire, where Mr. Unwell spent the remainder of his life except two years which he passed :;! the home of our subject in this Country. His wife (lied in 1856, at the age of fifty-six years and like her hus- band was a member of the Baptist Church., In their family were four sons ami a daughter. The latter died at her home in Brighton, III., in 1881 ; Samuel was married and died in England, from in- juries received while casting shot for the Crimean War. The brothers sldl living are William and Henry, both of whom arc married, have families and reside in Leeds, England. The latter is a boot and shoe manufacturer and the former is proprietor of a sash and door factory. We now take up the personal history of Joseph Howell, who was born in Gloucestershire, England. January 1, 1828, and when a lad of ten summers accompanied his parents to Leeds, where the days of his boyhood and youth were passed. He served for seven years as a clerk behind the counter of a general store and thus familiarized himself with business methods. When he had attained to ma- tuie years he chose as a helpmate on life's journey Miss Jane Warburton, who was born and reared in Bradford, England, and is a daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Senior) Warburton, natives of Brad- ford, where they resided many years, the father being an engineer at that place. However, in 1850, he crossed the Atlantic with his family and made a settlement in Brighton Township, Macou- pin County, III., where for eight years he made his home, removing thence to Montgomery County, where he died in 1871. His wife survived him two years passing away in 1873. They left four children: Mrs Emma Tennis and Mrs. Harriet Brown, of Carlinville, 111; George, who is married and engages in merchandising in Colorado; and .lane, the honored wife of our subject. In England there was born unto Mr. ami .Mis. Howell one child and with their little son thej took passage on the sailing vessel -'The Express." which, after nine weeks and two days, dropped an- chor in the harbor of New Orleans. Coming up the Mississippi River, they landed at Alton on the 8th of May, 1850, just fourteen weeks from the time the\ left their home in Leeds Some months later they came to Brighton, where they still reside, at d here the family has been increased by the birth of four children: Edwin S. was born in England, married Susan Wilson, who died April 2 1, 1891; he is engaged in the practice of Law in East St. Louis: Eliza is Hie wife of David A. Rice, a resident farmer of Waubansee County. Kan : Julia is the wife of <;. M. French, a train despatcher on the Indianapolis a- St. Louis Rail- road, living at Mattoon, III.; Alfred . I., who married Mary Johnston, is an undertaker and dealer in ear- pets in Alton. III.: Jennie* M. is the wife of Dr. T. II. Hall, of Alma, Kan. The children were all pro- vided with good educational advantages, such as would til them for tin' practical duties of life, and Julia and Edwin were successful teachers for sev- eral years. As before stated. Mr'. Howell began business in his present line in 1859. He carries a full and complete line of undertaking supplies and also a good Stock of furniture of the latest Styles, and is a straightforward, upright business man who is highly esteemed by all who know him. Both he and his wife are leading members and active workers iH the Baptist Church, in which Mr. Howell has served as Deacon for thirty vears. In politics he is a stanch Republican and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for five years and lias also served as a mem- ber oftheTowii Board. A public-spirited and prog- ressive man, he is numbered among the valued citizens of the community. • OHN C. HOLLOW'AV. Among the retire, 1 farmers who have done gooil service in the earlier days of Macoupin County, and who now in their later yens are enjoying the fruits of their labor with a conscience at ease and au active interest in the welfare of the community, we are pleased to mention the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this brief notice. He resides at Palmyra where with his family he enjoys the pleasant home which he has so truly earned. 852 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD: He was born in Scott County, III., four miles west of Winchester, April 5, 1836. His father George M. Holloway was born June 14, 1813, in Clarke County, Ky., and was the son of John Holloway, a native of Virginia, and one of the first settlers of Clarke County, who removed to Kentucky in verj early days. This pioneer emigrated to the State of Illinois in 1823, making the trip overland. He settled in what is now .Scott County being one of its first settlers. At the time that John Ilolloway. Sr.. came to this State Indians were more plentiful than whites. There was no settlement ' whatever where Spring-, field now stands and Chicago was unhc.vd of. There was, however, a military post there which was known as Ft. Dearborn. Tl e pioneer made claim to a tract of Government land tour miles west of Winchester and resided there until his death in 1841. His son George resided with his parents until his marriage, and then took charge of the old homestead and continued his residence I here for many years. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was .Mary Elizabeth New. She was born in Kentucky and her father John N'< w was a native of Virginia. She reared to man':; and voraan's es- tate eight of her nine children . namely: Lucinda, our subject. Permelia. Mary E., Martha. Ellen. Sa- niantha A.. Lucy E. and Wealthy. The one of whom we write had his ( > irly training and education upon the home farm and in the pio- neer schools of Scott County and lie has lived to see a wonderful growth in this seel ion. as since his birth the wild prairies have given place to richly cultivated farms, fruitful orchards, populous towns, anil tracts crossed by many a stirring railroad train. In his early years there was no railroad in his vicinity and Naples, on the Illinois River, was the nearest market for supplies and at which to dis- pose of the products of the farm. Deer, turkeys and other kinds of game abounded, and the gar- ments of his childhood were made by the mother's hand from cloth which she had manufactured with her carding comb, her spinning wheel and her loom. The young man resided with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-one ami then bought eighty acres of land near Winchester ami livsd there for four years. He then sold this property and bought one hundred acres a mile and a half from Winchester and after residing there foi a year sold it at an advance and came to Macoupin County, purchasing two hundred and forty acres of land in South Palmyra Township. He added to his land by purchase at different times and now has five hundred acres. He resided on this farm until 1887 and then after a few months residence in Carlin- ville built the pleasant home where he now resides in South Palmyra Township. The marriage of Mr. Holloway with Miss Nancy Baker, took place in 1850. The lady was born in Adams County, 111., and was the daughter of John Baker; her married life was to be of brief duration for she died in I8G0. Ilis second marriage was in December. 1865, when he was united with Miss Lucy E. Smilhson, a native of Clarke County, Ky.. whose father, .1. Wesley Smithson, was born in South Carolina. His father, John Smithson, re- moved fn.m South Carolina to Ohio, and thence to Kentucky, where he resided for a time in Bourbon County, lie then went to Clarke County and bought a home six miles south of Winchester. There he lived for many years before coming to Illinois, where he died at the home of his son Will- iam, near Winchester. Scott County. III. The father of Mrs. Holloway was reared on the home farm in Kentucky and resided there until 1859, when he came to Illinois and resided in Scott County until after the war of the Rebellion. He then went to Missouri and made his home in La- fayette County, and afterward in Johnson County, where he passed away at the age of seventy-one. His wife, a native of Clarke County. Ky., was Mary E., daughter of Patrick Henry Danielson, a native of Kentucky. The great-grandfather, John Danielson. was born in Virginia and was one of the early settlers of Kentucky. He lived for a time in Bourbon County and was one of the men who cut away the canebrake and cleared the ground where the first courthouse was built in Paris, Ky. He secured land in Clarke County, built a log cabin and began to clear a farm. When the War of 1812 broke out John Daniel- son enlisted and while he was absent in service his wife and servants cared for the property. After PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his return he improved his place considerably and remained a resident there until his death. His sou, tbe grandfather of Mrs. Hollo way, was a blacksmith by trade and in 1854 went to Johnson County, Mo., and bought a farm of sixty acres near Fay- etteville, on the Warronsbnrg and Lexington road, where he resided until his death. The maiden name of liis wife was Sarah Sbaer. Her father. Jacob Shaer, was of German parentage and bom in Maryland. He was one of the Erst settlers of Bourbon County. Ky., find spent his last years there. His wife's maiden name was Elizabeth Unemaher, and she died in Paris at the age of one hundred and four years. 'The mother of Mrs. Hol- loway still has her home in Johnson County. Mo.. but spends most of her time with her children. Mr. Holloway has by his first marriage two ehil- drcn living, George W. and .John L. The former married Emma Sims and the latter Mary Holloway and has two sons — Arthur L. and Cleva C. Mrs. Hollowaj is an earnest and efficient member of the Baptist Church. To our subject and his wife six children have been born, namely: Etts B., Oliver C, Charles A., Mary E., Myrtle and Nora C. Etta married Mr. August Depheide and has one child, lima. These children of an honored and honorable family are well sustaining the reputation of their ancestors and are worthy and esteemed members of society. , GEORGE MORRISON is engaged in general I _ farming on section !3, Hilyard Township, /p^)EORGE VJl where 1 he has made his home for tin' long period of twenty-iwo consecutive years. He pur- chased the farm in 1868, and has since resided thereon. It now comprises two bundled acres of valuable land, all under a high state of cultivation. The fields are well tilled and in the barn are found excellent grades of stoeU. The buildings are such as should be seen upon a model farm and almost all of the improvements are the work of Mr. Mor- rison's hands, standing as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. The subject of this sketch was born in County Deny, Ireland. December 22, I840,and is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry. His paternal grand- parents spent their entire lives in the north of the Emerald Isle. Henry Morrison, the father of our ■t. was also a DHtivcof Counlv Derry. and in the usual maimer of fanner lads he was reared to manhood in the county of his birth, where lie mar- ried Mis~ Martha Taylor, and in their later years they emigrated with their children to America. sailing from Belfast in 1846, on a vessel which af- ter Some weeks reached the harbor of New York in safety. They spent the first year of their residence in this country in Genesee Ciamty. N. Y.. after which they travelled from Buffalo by way of the Lakes to Chicago, by wagon to Peru, and down the Illinois River to Alton, where they spent one year. They then came to Hilyard Township, and for a time lived upon a rented farm until Mr. Mor- rison was able to purchase land. The old home- stead in Hilyard Township isstill their place of res- ilience. Mr. Morrison has now reached the age of eighty-two and his wife is about three-score years and ten. They are Scotch Presbyterians in religi- ous faith and are numbered among the honored pioneers of Hilyard Township where they have man) friends. In their family were seven children and witii one exception all are living. Our subject, who is the eldest, spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the paternal roof and in the common schools acquired his education. Extensive reading and observation have made him an intelligent man and he keeps binself well in- formed concerning all matters of general interest, also upon the political issues of the day. Whatever success he has achieved in life is i\uv to his own efforts and he need never fed ashamed of the posi- tion to which he has attained for his fellow towns- men and those who know him all speak of him in terms of praise He was married in Carlinvillc to Miss Rebecca T. Jones, a native of Kentucky, born in Allen County, October 22, 1848. When a child of three years she was brought to this county by her parents, Ambrose and Mary (Wilson) Jones, who were also natives of Kentucky and on coming 1. 1 Illinois settled iii Greene County. Later they resided in Jersey Count) for a time and thence came to this county, locating on a farm in Gillespie 85 1 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Township, where Mr. Jones died in 1872. at the age of sixty years. His widow still survives him and is living on the old homestead at the age of sixty- nine. She is a member of the Methodist Church, as was her husband and in polities he was s Repub- lican. Seven children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, five of whom are yet living — M. Burtie, Jessie E., George W.. James H. and Flossie R. Nettie and an infant are now deceased. Mr. and Mis. Morrison adhere to the faith of their forefathers and are members of the Presby- terian Church, while in polities he is a stalwart Re- publican. A pleasant, genial man, affable in man- ner, he has won many friends and Ids wife is like- wise held in high esteem. Our subject enlisted in Company G., One Hundred and Thirty-third Regi- ment Illinois Infantry, and was on 'guard duty at Rock Island during his term of enlistment. * ^§-*-£~ o B K R T DRURY is a respected member /{ of the farming community of Brushy Mound \\ Township, where he owns eighty acres of land, pleasantly located on section 27, and provided with good buildings and other improve- ments, a fine orchard adding value to the place. A Southerner by birth, Mr. Drury was born in Danville, Ky., April 9, 1841. His father was John J. Drury, also a native of that State, Beardstown is his birth place. The grandfather of our subject was born in Maryland and came of English ancestry. When a young man he went to Kentucky where he married. He settled six miles from Beardstown on the Mooresville road, and became a pioneer farmer of that section. His death took place in 1833, from an attack of cholera, he. his wife and three of his children dying within a few weeks. John Drury was thus left an orphan when he was seventeen years old. He went to Louisville to learn the trade of a carpenter, and followed it for a time. He finally had the great misfortune to lose his eyesight by the formation of a cataract, and has been blind for fifty years. He resides in Nilwood Township, this county, and is now eighty years old. His wife was Mary Buckman in her maiden days, who was born in Marion County, Ky. her father. John Buckman, was a native of Mary- land, and a pioneer of Marion County. Ky., where he improved a plantation, his land being worked by slave labor. It was close to the town of Ray- wick, and for many years he was engaged in mer- cantile business there. He died in 1855. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah J. Matingly, and she was also a native of Maryland. She died on the old Kentucky homestead in 1842. The mother of our subject departed this life in January 1875. These six children were born of her mar- riage. John, Robert, James, William. Charles and Mary F. Robert Drury was twelve years old when he accompanied his parents to Illinois. The family, consisting of the father, mother and six children, started for their new home in October, bringing their household goods with them, ami making the journey with two horses and one wagon. They camped and cooked by the way at night, and after eighteen days travel arrived at Honey Point Town- ship. They visited a family in that place for tlree weeks, (hiring which time Mr. Drury rented a log cabin in Brushy Mound Township, into which they moved, living there until spring, then farming one year inthesnmo township. The father then bough*, a farm in Bird Township, and upon that the subject of this sketch was reared. He received his edu- cation in the pioneer schools, which were taught in a log house. In that early day deer were very numerous and were seen in large droves. Tin people lived in a very primitive way, as the luxur- ies and often the comforts of life were hard to procure, and their dress was mostly of homespun cloth. Our subject resided with his parents until after his marriage, which occurred December 30. 1863, when he was wedded to Miss Mary F. Pearson, who has rendered him invaluable assistance in the up- building of their home. Their union has brought to them five children, whom they have named Charles C, Mark W., Robert O.. Frank N. and Dais3'. Mrs. Drury is a native of this county, Gillespie Township being her birthplace. In 1864 Mr. Drury bought a farm in Gillespie Township, and resided there until 1870, when he PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 855 moved t<> Missouri. A year later he returned to Macoupin County, and purchased the place where he now lives in Brushy Mound Township. He has devoted his energies to its cultivation and improve meut with good results, and from its productive soil derives a comfortable income. Politically, Mr. Drury casts his vote with the Democrates in national elections, but in local elections he is independent, supporting the man he considers best fitted for office regardless of party. His social affiliations are with I lie Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and he is a member of Elm- wood Lodge. No. 2948. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and has served his township as Assessor and Collector. I ICHAEL SWENK, a retired farmer living at Shipman, is the owner of a fine prop- l " erty there. He moved into town in 1886, being then seventy -five years of age, and feeling that be was entitled to ease during the remnant of his days. His career from his early life had been industrious and enterprising, and he had accumulated sufficient of this world's goods to feel no anxiety for his future support. While building up a good home, he bad given his family many comforts, and bad taken part in such piojects as were instituted in the neighborhood for the gen- eral good and promised well for the community. He has been a resident of the county since 1857, and is therefore well acquainted with its progress for considerable more than a quarter of a cen- tury. Mr, Swcnk is a son of the Buckeye State, born in Montgomery County, October 10. 1811. He conies of Pennsylvania families, and his parents were Jacob and Catherine (Ilcning) Swenk, both of whom were born in the Keystone State. lie was but a small boy when his father died, leaving eight children, all now deceased, except Michael and one sister. He lived with a brother-in-law for a time, and at the age of fifteen years began his apprenticeship to a hatter, and from that time lived among strangers. He learned his trade at Frank- lin, Ohio, and followed it for several years, but in 1853 be went to Casa County, Mich., bought land and turned his attention to farming. He lived there until he came to this State, and Bettled not far from shipman. buying one hundred and sixty acres if slightly-improved land. He con- tinued the work that had been bfgUO OD the prop- erty, and before he left it bad changed it into a well-regulated estate, with every needful farm building and other adornment. Mr. Swenk was married in Ohio to Miss Sarah Wood, a native of the Buckeye state, who died in Jersey County. III., leaving no children. The present wife of our subject was formerly Mrs. Charity K. Crane, nee Eaton, and was living in Michigan at the time of their marriage. She is a well-informed, efficient woman, who shares with her husband the respect of their acquaintances. Of this union three children were born, but the parents have been bereft of all. One died in in- fancy, one in childhood, and Samuel J. after he had grown to manhood. Mr. Swenk gives his po- litical allegiance to the Democratic party. I | SRAEL CIIAPPKLL. In noticing the proini nent and successful agriculturists of Honey Point Township we find Mr. Chappell occupy- ing a front rank. A man of more than ordinary ability and sound judgment, he has exercised no small influence in iiis community, and at the same time, by bis industry and perseverance, lias gained a competence. His residence and surroundings indicate in a marked manner to what good purpose be has employed his time for so man)' years, he having a most carefully tilled farm, whereon be has instituted all modern' improvements. The buildings (Mid appurtenances are well appointed, and indicate the good taste and ample means of the proprietor. A native of Devonshire. England, Mr. Chappell was born February 5, 1.825. His parents were Bartholomew and Grace (Gean) Chappell. who were also natives of thai famous English shin. Their lives were passed then' until 1833, when. 856 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD: with their eight children, they set sail from Liver- pool in the month of October in an American- bound ship, and after a voyage of nine weeks and four days landed at New York. They tame di- rectly to Illinois, and located in Jersey County, where the father purchased a tract of land includ- ing a part of Gilliam's Mound. About fifty acres were improved, and there was a log house on the place. Mr. Chappell erected frame buildings, im- proved his land, and increased the acreage of his farm so that at one time he had four hundred acres of land. Death closed his career in 1867, and his community was thus deprived of a valued citizen, who hail done much to upbuild the township, and his memory is held in respect as one of its early pioneers. He was twice married, and by his first marriage had six children, all of whom came to America, and these a'/e their names: Ann, John, Bartholomew, Elizabeth, Susan and William. His second wife, the mother of our subject, who was the daughter of Richard < lean, survived him, her death not occurring until 1871, when she passed away in the home of her daughter in Jersey County. She reared seven children, as follows: Lucinda. Solomon, Israel, Ephraim, Thirza, Mahala and Richard. Israel Chappell was in his eighth year when his parents brought him to the United States, and he can remember well the incidents of pioneer life in the early years of the settlement of this State. At that time deer and bears were very numerous i:: Jersey County, and also coons, wild turkeys, and other game. For many years there were no rail- ways in the county, and Alton was the nearest market for supplies. Young Chappell attended the pioneer schools, the first one heing taught in the kitchen of a neighbor, as there were then no free schools. The grain then was cul with a cradle and threshed by a flail. The mother carded, spun and wove wool and linen with which to clothe her children, and cooked the meals for the family before a rude fireplace. Our subject resided with his parents until 1846, and then commenced life for himself, working on a farm for 18 a month, continuing thus employed until 1850, when he went to California. He left Jersey County the 1st of May and made the entire journey across the plains and mountains with a mule team, arriving at Sacramento on the 1th of August without mishap. With the exception of the Mormons at Salt Lake City, there were hut very few white settlers west of St. Joseph, Mo., until California was reached. Antelope, elk and deer abounded on the plains, and buffaloes were to be seen in large numbers. There were also plenty of Indians, who were hostilely disposed, rendering traveling very dangerous. Upon arriving in Cali- fornia Mr. Chappell engaged in mining, and resided thereuntil 1852, when he returned to Illinois by the way of the Isthmus. Prior to going to the Pacific coast our subject had bought a tract of wild prairie land in what is now Honey Point Township, and the year following his return he settled on it, and has lived here con- tinuously since. The homestead consists of one hundred and sixty acres of choice land, and he has erected a good set of frame buildings, planted fruit and shade trees, and made all modern im- provements. Besides his home farm he also owns one hundred and eighty acres of land in Shaw's Point Township, and eighty acres in Lancaster County, Neb., and is one of the substantial men of his community. March 30, 1834, Mr. Chappell was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Hunt, who was born in the same shire as her husband. Her father, George Hunt, wis also a native of Devonshire, where he married Sophia Willoway, and spent his entire life. His wife was also of Devonshire birth, and was a daughter of Thomas and Charity Willoway. At her husband's death she was left with six children. She afterward became the wife of James Hunt, brother of her firsl husband, and in 1849, with ten children, came to America. The family located in the town of Stafford, about live miles east of I'.ata- via, Genesee County, N. Y.. where Mr. Hunt died some years later. The mother of Mrs. Chappell is still living, aged eighty-seven, and resides on the home farm. The children by her first marriage were named Charity, Frances. Thomas, William, Elizabeth and Sophia. Those by her second mar- riage were Mary J., Ann, James and Matilda. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Chappell there are five children living: Israel Watson. George Mil- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 857 ton, Sophia Grace, James Richard find Cora May. Sophia is Ulfc wife of Samuel Dugger, of Shaw's Point Township. Mrs. Chappell is actively inter- ested in religious matters, and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. GEORGE V. SMITH, one of the worthy and respected citizens of Shaw's Point Town- V_^, ship, was born in Lincolnshire, England, July 16, 1832. Here lie passed his boyhood and youth, and when nineteen years old came to Amer- ica, making his home for six years in Huron County Ohio. There he engaged in farming. In August, 1857. he came to Macoupin County, and located in .Shaw's Point Township, where he has since been n resident. He owns two hundred and ten acres upon which he has made good improvements. He carries on general farming. Mr. Smith was married in Carlinville, February 4, 1860, to Miss Harriet Keller, who was born in Henry County, Ky., August 10, 1817. and died April 23, 1891. She came to this State with her parents in her girlhood. Mr. Smith is a public- spirited man who is ever an active promoter of all movements for the improvements of the township and the well being of its residents. He has set a good example for his neighbors in the improve- ments he has placed upon iiis farm and all unite in praising the condition of his property. His polit- icals views are embodied in the declarations of the Democratic platform, and lie is deeply interested in the success of that party; he has never sought for office and prefers to devote his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. ^St> ALEli CAPPS. There is probably no farmer ill °* North Palmyra Township who has at -e Vi/ a better farm, better buildings and a higher reputation as a man of ability and intelligence than he whose name stands at the head of this paragraph. The beautiful farm attracts the eye of every passer- by. Its neat and commodious buildings speak well for the management of the farm and the neatness and productiveness of the hind attest thorough Cul- tivation and rich soil. Mr. Capps is not content with mere material prosperity, however, for he de- \ ules much lime and thought to matters of general intelligence, being a great leader. John Capps. the father of our subject. was a Vir- ginian, and his wife. Sallie T. Gilmer was born in Kentucky. Their marriage t<«>k place in Adams County. III., where he carried on a woolen factory in Columbus, that county, After engaging in this business for some two or three years he returned to Kentucky on account of failure of health and died therein 1843. His bereaved widow long survived him and finallv passed away while with her children in this county in February, 1888, This so:i Caleb was born in Winchester, Clarke County. Ivy.. March 2;!, 1840. When he was three years old he went with his mother to Adams County. 111., and lived there three or four years and then came to Greene County, III., and after a few years removed to this county. At the age of fourteen years he le. lined the trade of machinist, at which he worked until he reached his majority. In 1861, he engaged in farming settling on a tract of land on section 31, North Palmyra Township, farm that was entered by his father prior to marriage. Since his location in this township he has devoted himself exclusively to farming and Stock-raising with the exception of time which he spent in the army in the service of his country. Our subject enlisted in October, 1864, in Company A. Thirty-second Illinois Infantry in the defense of the old Hag. He served about one year and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. During the latter part of his service he was detailed as acting Com- missary Sergeant for his regiment. His marriage in Hair Township, took place January 3, 1872 and made him the happy husband of Elizabeth Maxfield a daughter of Robert II. and Sarah .1. (Petetish) Max field. Mr, Maxfield was a Kentuekian and his wife a Virginian, and they were early settlers in Hair Township, whither they came in the '30s. He followed the carpenter's trade when he was a young man although farming was his chief business through life. He died in liarr Township. June 15. 858 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1876, and li is wife still resides at the old hometcad, where Mrs. Capps was born February 11, 1811. The political views of Mr. Capps are in accor- dance with the declarations of the Democratic party and in its progress and prosperity he takes a great interest, for he believes its teaching and policy are those best fitted to insure the welfare of the country and the prosperity of the citizens. Upon his fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres he has erected a good home, excellent barns and such out- houses as are needed to cany on farm work in the best way. He has himself done most of the work upon this farm and upon the buildings. DROF. CHARLES ROBERTSON. The vital and liberal tendencies of the Prairie state have given fresh impulse and breadth of vision to many a man of Eastern blood and breeding. A man with scientific instincts finds in the West a freedom from traditions and a stimulus to investigate which he might have missed in a narrower sphere. Macoupin County is justly proud of tile record of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, as he is acknow- ledged to be one of the leading scientists of our country, having made a special study of botany and entomology and being a discoverer inthe path which Spengel, Darwin and Hermann Muller pointed out. The subject of our sketch is a native of this county, being born in Carlinville June 12. 1858. His father. Dr. William A. Robertson, was bom near Liberty, Bedford County, Ya., October 27, 1803. His father, Dr. William Robertson, was a practicing physician and moved from Virginia to Knoxville, Ten'n , in 1803, soon after the birth of his son. lie resided there for a short time and then went to Kentucky, where he settled in Lex- ington, but after a short time removed to Harrods- burg and followed his profession there. The father of our subject was quite young when his father moved to Kentucky. He attended school at New London Academy in Virginia, and com- mencing the study of medicine quite early, grad- uated at Transylvania College. He practiced for a time in Kentucky and in 1830 emigrated to Illi- nois, making his home at Edwardsville, in Madison County. A little later he practiced his profession in Alton, but, subsequently abandoned it and en- gaged in'farming. In 1835 he removed to Carlin- ville, where ten years later he engaged in general merchandising. He was a man of rare good sense and of more than ordinary financial ability. He was possessed of considerable literary ability and was liberal with his wealth, his private charities being numerous and his donations to institutions of learning and religion generous. He died Feb- ruary 5. 1880, leaving behind him a precious mem- ory as a heritage to his children. The father of our subject was married October 18, 1842, to Nancy H., daughter of Rev. Charles Halliday. She was born near Scotfsville, Allen County, Ivy., November II, 1821. Her father, Kev. Charles Halliday. was born in Baltimore, Md. His father, .lames Halliday, was a native of Annan- dale, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, and came to America in Colonial times, making a settlement in Baltimore. Charles Halliday "as fifteen years old when his father died. He was educated in Baltimore and Fredericksburg for the ministry of the Presbyter- ian Church, but before entering it he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and became a preacher in that denomination. He who is now known as Prof. Robertson received his early education in the public schools of Carlin- ville, and finally advanced to Blackburn University and in 1880 became a teacher in that institution, taking up the branches of botany, physiology and Greek. He taught until 1886 since which time he has attended to the affairs of his private business and pursued his independent studies. He is a member of the American Association for the Ad- vancement of Sciences, of the Cambridge Entomo- logical Club, of the Western Society of Naturalists, of the Indiana Academy of Science and of the Entomological Society of France. He was mar- ried in November, 1879, to Alice McDonald Yen- able, a native of Indiana. They have one child named Mary. Prof. Robertson is independent in politics and is a contributor to the following jour- nals: Botanical Gazette, Transactions of the Amer~ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 859 ican Entomological Society, Transactions of I Louis Academy of Science, Entomological News,etc. It is fortunate, Indeed, for science when such men as this have the means to free them from sordid caves and enable them to devote themselves untir- ingly to scientific researches. y.li.LIAM JOINER, a representative fanner ami stock-raiser residing on section 8, Bird Wyi Township, is a son of George and Mary (Pulliam) Joiner, natives of the old Dominion. They emigrated to the Prairie state from Kentucky, where they settled near Jacksonville where the father died. The mother afterward came to Ma- coupin County, where she survived her husband many years and died at the home of our subject in Logan County, this State. William was the youngest of a family of seven children. He was born in Morgan County, this State. May 2. ls.'io. He grew to manhood, spend- ing most of bis youth in Macoupin County, and when about twenty- live years old he removed to Logan County and made it his home from the spring of I860 till the fall of 1876, when he re- turned to this county and settled on section 8, of Bird Township, which has since been his place of residence. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and now owns two hun- dred eighteen and a half acres of fine arable land. The marriage of Mr. Joiner with Sarah L. Nevins was solemnized November 22. I860. She is a daughter of James 15. and Miranda (Simsi Nevins. After marriage they settled in North Palmyra Township. Mrs. Nevins was called away from earth in August, 1880. and her husband passed away at the residence of ow subject January 11. 1890. Seven of their children lived to years of maturity, of whom Mrs. Joiner was the second. She was born hi North Palmyra Township August 5, 1840, and received a good common-school edu cation. Our subject and bis estimable wife are the happy parents of nine children, seven of whom were reared to maturity; Thomas K.. Lucy A., Ida M., James \\'.. otis C, Man Z., and the youngest is named Noah C. The first burn took to wife Eudors A. Casteel; Mary '/.. became the wife of Edward Hart- wick. Ml. Joiner has held the oilier of School Director of his township in which position he not onl.v did credit to himself but to his constituents, lie has served in that capacity for over twenty-Seven years. In his political views he affiliates with the Repub- lican party of which he is a stanch adherent. Re- ligiousbj he is a consistent and active member of the Baptist Church. He is a man who is held in high repute by his fellow-citizens and always ap- proves any movement which will enhance the prosperity of the community. ^*T -1*^- w AMES E. WAGGONER, who resides on section 8, Brighton Township, and is en- gaged quite extensively in the dairy business \vj is one of the honored of the pioneers of 1834. By his parents he was brought here when live years old from Knoxville, Tenn., where be was born on the 8th of September, 18291. His father, George Waggoner,was a native of Maryland, and his grandfather, George Waggoner, Sr., was born on the high seas, while his parents were emi- grating from Germany to America, prior to the Revolutionary War. The family settled in Balti- more. .Md., where the grandparents of George Waggoner. Jr., lived and died. He grew to man- hood in that State and removed with his parents to Knoxville, Tenn., prior to the War of 1812, during which war he served his country; with oth- ers of his regiment he came nearly starving to death, they being deprived of food for several days. Before the war lie was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Baker, who was horn in Maryland of German descent, her ancestors having come to this country in early Colonial days. One of the family made a settlement by a ninety-nine years' lease upon forty acres of land in the heart of Harris- hnrg, and eighty acres in the cit\ of Philadelphia. lie never married, and the connecting link which makes his rightful heirs the proper owners, has 860 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. been lost. After the marriage of George Wag- goner and li is wife, the parents of our subject, they resided for some years near Knoxville, Tent)., but becoming digusted with the practices of slavery, decided to make their home in a free State and lo- cated in Madison County, III. This was in 183-1. They settled near Alton,wherc they resided for some years, but afterward came to this county to make their home with their daughter, Mrs. Joseph An- drews, at whose house they died when well ad- vanced in years. Like their ancestry they were adherents of the Methodist faith, and were highly respected people. Our subject is one of their twelve children, nine of whom are yet living, are married and have fam- ilies. They have all prospered in their business affairs and are leading citizens of the various com- munities where they reside. James Waggoner was reared to manhood under the parental roof. Sep- tember 28, 1856, he was united in marriage with Almira Mundy, since which they have resided near Brighton, Macoupin County. Almira (Mundy) Waggoner was born in St. Louis, December 2. 1837, and is a daughter of Rowland and Asenatb (Kel- logg) Mundy, natives of the Empire Stale and pio- neer settlers of Illinois. Seymour Kellogg, father of Mrs. Mundy, surveyed and laid out the city of Jacksonville, and several other towns in Illinois. He was one of the prominent and honored early settlers in that part of the State. He served as Colonel in the War of 1812. and died in St. Louis, Mo., April 15, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Mundy were married in St. Louis, where they resided some years, when the}" removed to Lexington, Mo. Six years of their lives were there passed, after which they returned to St. Louis, and subsequently they spent some years in Whitehall, G/eene County. 111., go- ing thence to Madison County and finally taking up their residence in Brighton, where the father died at the age of eighty-one years, and the mother when eighty years of age; they were members of the Methodist Church, and people whose man}' excellencies of character won them a host of friends. Mrs. Waggoner is one of eight children, of whom three are now living. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children — George R., who is now serving as Township Collector, and re- sides at home; Louada, wife of Monroe Forward, who is engaged in farming and operates a creamery at Piasa, III.; Nellie Almira, who is attending the Normal School at Bushnell, 111.; James E., Jr., and Homer O., at home. In politics Mr. Wag- goner affiliates with the Republican party and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. They are numbered among the leading and repre- sentative people of the community where they have so long made their home, and their many friends hold them in high regard. Mr. Waggoner is one of the successful and enterprising farmers and dairymen of Brighton Township, where he owns two hundred ami eighteen acres of highly improved land. He also raises a good grade of stock, and keeps on hand thirty cows for dairy purposes. His farm is well supplied with modern conveniences and equipments, and the neat appear- ance of the place indicates the thrift and industry of. the owner. ffi AMES L. TIETSORT, a retired farmer who is passing his declining years pleasantly with his good wife in the village of Girard, where he is greatly esteemed, was born in one of tin- pioneer homes of Ohio, on a farm. one mile from Middletown, Butler County, January 30, 1822, being the date of his birth. His paternal grandfather was a native of Holland, who emi- grated to America and is supposed to have spent the remainder of his life in New Jersey. His son William, the Lather of our subject, was born in that State and there grew to manhood. He subsequently became a pioneer of Kentucky, whence he re- moved to Butler County, Ohio, of which he was an early settler. He finally went from there to Cass County, Mich., after a number of years, and there his life was brought to a close at a ripe old age. William Tietsort was eight years old when his parents removed to Butler County, Ohio, in the early years of its settlement. Cincinnati was then 'out a hamlet, and the State was a wilderness. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. B61 There he grew to manhood and married and con- tinued his residence in that State until 1832. whin lie went with his family to the Territory of Michi- gan, traveling with teams and taking all lii< earthly possessions with him. He located in Cass County, in Volinia Township, and became one of its most useful pioneers, doing his share of the hard labor hy which its rich agricultural resources were devel- oped, and becoming one of the prosperous farmers of his community, hewing out a fine farm from the wilderness, on which he erected substantial frame buildings and made other valuable improvements. It was his home until his long life wf>s brought to an honorable close in 1872. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Law, did not long survive him. but died in 1S7:>. She was a native of Vir- ginia and a daughter of James Law. who was also a Virginian by birth and was a pioneer of Litt- ler County, Ohio. She had been twice married, the name of her first husband being Huff. She reared fourteen children to maturity. The subject of this biography was an active lad of ten years when the family settled amid the pri- meval wilds of Cass County, Mich., and he well re- members the primitive condition of the country in that region, where Indians were more plen- tiful than witites and deer and other kinds of game abounded in the forests and on the open prairies. There were no railways there for some years and the settlers had to go St. Joseph, a dis- tance of thirty miles, to market their produce and to obtain supplies. Money was scarce and the people lived on what they could raise on their land and on wild game. The mother of our subject was skillful in carding, weaving and spinning flax, hemp and wool and clad her children with cloth made by her own hands. The first dwelling in which the family lived after settling in their new home was of the regular pioneer type and was buill by the father of white oak logs, boards being rived to cover the roof and puncheon hewn for the floor. Mr. Tietsort made the best of his opportunities for obtaining an education, which were very lim- ited. The pioneer schools which he attended were taught in the log house of those times, that were furnished with slab benches and had no desks. He was reared to habits of industry and early gained a knowledge of agriculture, while assisting his father in clearing his land. He mule his home with his parents until liia marriage. For two years after that he managed the old homestead. In 1856 he and his family started with a team and made an overland journey to this State, as he had wisely decided to take ad wantage of the many su- perior advantages offered by the rich soil and ge- nial climate of Illinois toa skillful, practical fanner. After his arrival he located eight miles east of Jerseyville. where he farmed as a renter ten years. A. the expiration of that time he purchased eight] H it s of land two miles southeast of Girard. lie worked with a good will and in a few years placed it under a high state of cultivation, made many valuable improvements and in due time bought eighty acres adjoining the entire tract, which is deeded to his son. The old home is in the posses- sion of the subject of this sketch, making one of the most desirable farms in the neighborhood. In 1887 he removed from his farm into the village of Girard, where lie purchased his present substantial, comfortable home, wherein he and his wife live re- tired in the enjoyment of the fruits of their early years of labor. November 30. 1854, was the date of the marriage of Mr. Tietsort and Mi.ss Harriet E. Gould. They have one son, Melvin Harvey. He married Miss Edna Thacker, a native of this county and a daugh- ter of Zaehariah Thacker, of whom an extended sketch appears on another page of this volume. They have two children, James H. and Nona K. Mrs. Tietsort was born in White Lake County. Mich.. February 11, 1X.",7. a daughter of one of its pioneers. James Harvey Gould. He was a native of Massachusetts and a son of William Gould, who is supposed to hive been a native of the -line Male. He removeil from there to Michigan while it was yet a territory and lived for a few- years in White Lake County. He then took up his residence in Port Byron, X. Y.. but some years after that be returned to Michigan and -pent his last \eais ill CaSS County, that Stale. The father of Mis. Tietsort was reared and married in Massachusetts. He subsequently became one of the early settlers of White Lake County, Mich. A few years later he returned Eastward as 8G2 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. far as Port Byron, N. Y. where he resided a few years. Returning to Michigan, he hought a tract of forest-covered land in Cass County, and l>y hard pioneer labor cleared a good farm, on which he erected suitable buildings, lie departed this life in 1864, full of years. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Quimby. She was also a native of Massachusetts and was a daughter of a Revolution- ary soldier. She died on the old Michigan home- stead in L876. Our subject has accumulated a competency by persistent labor, by that wise economy that knows tied in Alton, where he was a pioneer and where years old. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Mary Simmons, and she was born in Delaware and died in 1831. She had two children, our subject and his brother John, who still resides in Wilmington. The father was a second time married, to Rachel Grubb and by her had one child, Rebecca Our subject served for five years in Centerville, learn- ing the trade of a blacksmith, and followed it in Delaware until 1850, when became to Illinois by the way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and set- how to spend as well as to save and by the exer- cise of sound judgment in his dealings. He lias earned a place among our most respected citizens, and his honesty and uprightness in all the affairs of life have gained him the trust of all who know him. He and his wife are firm believers in the Baptist faith and have been among the most faithful mem- bers of that church since they connected themselves with it. ARMAX G. TALLEY. a promiuent citizen of Shipman, was born in that part of Wilmington, Del., which was then know- as the village of Brandywine. His birth occurred January 28, 1828, and his father, Isaac Grubb Talley, was born in the same vicinity and was the son of llarman Talley whose ancestors were among the first settlers of that State, lie resided near Wilmington for many years, and then made his way to Ohio and became one of the pioneers of Muskingum County. He lived there until 1850, after which he emigrated to Ogle County, this State, and after a few years came to Piasa. this county, where he died. The father of our subject grew to manhood in his native State and was there married before com- ing to Illinois. It was about the year 1856 when he settled in Macoupin County, making his home in Shipman Township, where he bought a farm and resided for four years and then sold and returned to his native home, dying in Wilmington, Del., February 22, 1888, when he was eighty-seven he opened the first blacksmith shop in that village, carrying on business there until the breaking out of the war. The young man enlisted September 3, 1864, in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Illi- nois [iifantry, and served until the close of the war. being mustered out as a Sergeant of the Provosl- Guard in 1865. The following year he engaged in farming on one hundred and sixty acres of land" which he had purchased about a mile east of Piasa. There he resided until 1887, and then leaving his sons in charge, retired from active business and made his home in Shipman. Louisa Ann Hedges was the name of the lady who became the wife of our subject in 1850, and she died on the home farm in 1879. The second marriage of Mr. Talley took place in 1885, and brought to his home a bride in the person of Mrs. Mary (Martin ) Quick, a native of New York. By his first marriage our subject had five children, namely: William, llattie, Dora, Lula and Harman Grubb. Our subject and his good wife are both earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a thorough Republican in his political views and has served for ten years as Postmaster of Piasa. His son William married Miss Laura Kel- sey, and his daughter Dora became Mrs. W. B. Waggoner. The present Mrs. Talley, as well as her father and grandfather was born in the Green Mountain State, and her father who was a blacksmith, followed that trade both in Vermont and in Susquehanna County. Pa., and afterward in Steuben County, N. Y., where he finally purchased, a farm and man- aged it in connection with the work of his trade. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 863 The maiden name of his wife was Lurinda Coleman, and she was a daughter of William and Hannah (Cross) Coleman of Vermont. Mrs. Tallev's first marriage was when she was eighteen and united her with Mr. Bennett, a black- smith, who Came to Illinois in 18">!>, and carried on his trade ir. Shipman until his death in April, 1865. Her second husband, Mr. Parker Quick, of Missouri, was a farmer who came to Shipman and died here in 1873. She has two children by her first marriage, Gertrude, who is now Mis. Silas Webster, and Je- rome C, who married Sophie Harris. AMES E. WOOD. The death of this gen- tleman, which occcurred on June 13, 1891, removed from this county one who had for nearl}' sixty years been closely con- nected with its development. Following the OCCU pation of a general farmer, he resided on a line tract of land in Bunker Hill Township, and was the owner of two hundred and thirty acres which had been improved under his own management. June 16, 1832. marked his arrival in this township and since that time he worked his way to the com- petency which surrounded his declining years. Some nine seasons were passed on the Mississippi River as a keel boater, and many and strange were his experiences as a pioneer boatman. By means of this work he gained his first money to purchase land. His first purchase comprised forty acres, bought at a low rate, but he was compelled to bor- row the money to pay twenty-live per cent. down. and gave personal security to enable him to ef- fect the purchase. Aside from the time spent upon the Mississippi, he resided upon this farm al- most continuously from his arrival here. A hard- working and energetic man, he achieved success financially, and at the time of his decease, was liv- ing retired from life's active duties. Before narrating more fully the various inci- dents of importance in the life of our subject, we will briefly record the genealogy of the Wool fam- ily which began in America in 1 755. Samuel Wood was born in Leicestershire, England, May 2 or 3. 1737. He emigrated to America in 1755, and al- though really unfitted for military service, being a ciipplc. he went into the army during the Revolu- tionary War. He was a ri pe schi ila r and was pri- vate secretary to President George Washington. He -pent most of his life in Loudoun County, \ a , but in Ins later years removed to Ea-I IV -sec, and there died full of years and h s. He first married a Miss Robertson, and of that union one daughter, named Mary, was burn. This daughter was reared by her grandfather in South Carolina and married .lames Hendricks. The second wife of Samuel Wood was known in maidenhood as Sarah Reives, and seven sons were born of the marriage, viz: William, .lames, Sam- uel. Thomas. Abram. John and George. Willi on, who was born June 13, 1773, was married in lsl 1. to Nelly Ryan, and their live children were named as follows: Washington, Eliza, Thomas J., James W.. and Mezany. The first wife dying, he after- ward married Mary Cargile. and the one son born Of this union. William, died January II, 1851. James Wood, father of our subject, was born Oct- ober 26, 1774, in Loudoun County, Va., near the falls of the Potomac River. On March 11,1794, he was united in marriage with Susanna Renfro. a Virginian, who had been reared to womanhood in a fort i:i Eastern Tennessee, near Knox villi'. Eleven children comprised the family of James and Susanna Wood, namely: William, Sarah, John 1'.. Nancy, Samuel. Thomas James E.. Naomi. David and Abigail. During the War of 1812, the father enlisted under Gen. Harrison, and lost his health while in service as a valiant defender of American rights. His death occurred September , having determined to seek his fortune in America, lie embarked from Liverpool, and on the 16th of September, landed ii: New York City, whence lie made his way to Elizabethtown, Pa. In the mines of that section lie was employed until 1856. For fourteen years lie was a resident of Car- linville, III . and helped to sink the tirst mines at that place in 1868. On coining to Gillespie he helped to sink the coal shafts at this place and vaa boss of the mine for some time. He was concerned directly in the sinking of the Dorsey shaft, and is one of the prominent miners of the State. It lias been his business during the greater part of his life, and he received many communications from differ- ent State and Government geologists and profes- sors of that science for his knowledge of geology, especially of the coal petiod, far surpasses that of many who have made of geology a special study. He gathered one of the finest collections of fossil Gsh in the United States and has recently sold the same to the State of Illinois for £1,000. It is now exhibited in the museum at Springfield. Mr. Bat- ters has also acquainted himself with the mines in the Southern part of 1 1 lion is. This State fur- nishes a splendid field for research, and perhaps no one is better informed concerning the mining inter- ests than he. Two years were also spent by him in the mines of Missouri. While residing in Pennsylvania, Mr. Butters was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Craig, who was born and reared in Cumberland County, England. She crossed the broad Atlantic in 1853, and im- mediately afterward was married, having plighted her troth to Mr. Butters ere he left his native land. She was born at Garigal Gate, England, on the 13th of September, 182-j, and was a lady of many excellencies of character. She was called to her final rest on the 6th of February, 1891, while re- Biding in Gillespie, being then sixty-five years of age. Man} - friends shared with her husband in his great loss. Four children were bom unto them — Mary A., Sarah A., John A., and Sarah A., but all died before the mother. Mr. Butters is one of the leading citizens of Gillespie, prominent in all public affairs and found in Hie front rank of every enterprise calculated to benefit the community, lie is a sound Republican in political sentiment, and is a member of the Board of Labor Statistics of Illinois. He has been engaged in Ins present business since April. 1890, when he bought out the interest of William Dickey, one of the original owners of the store, and became a member of the firm of Steidley & Butlers, dealers in general hardware. They have a full and complete stock and are doing a good business, such as is deserved by gentlemen of their worth and standing. m. : a g^jUg r, : ,: AMES (). PATTERSON. Among the pros- perous fanners and public-spirited residents of Bird Township, we are pleased to mention {^J the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this brief sketch. His worthy parents, Abraham and Melinda (Kirkland) Patterson, were early set- tlers in Jersey County. III., where they remained until the father was called away by death. The mother afterward removed to Greene County, this Mate where she died. They had seven children. of whom our subject was the sixth. His birth took place, January 25, 1840, in Jersey County, 111. He was early bereaved of his father, and when ten years old left his home and came to Macoupin County. Since that time he has made his residence here, and has been one of the reliable and respected Citizens of the county. When he was a youno- man he atone time engaged in the threshing bus- iness, and from the time he was fourteen vears old until he was twenty-two, he worked in a saw- mill Aside from this he has followed agricultural pursuits. In 18()l Mr. Patterson bought the line farm where he now lives. This consists of one hun- dred and eighty broad and productive acres. Upon this farm he has erected as line a set of farm build- ings, as may be found in a ride of many miles. The residence i^ commodious and attractive, and the bams well adapted to farm work, lie is a man Of enterprise and forethought and always strives - PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. to keep his properly ia such a condition as will in- crease its value and promote not only his own prosperity but the comfort of his stock. The marriage of our subject. November 14. 1861, was an event which opened the way to a life of sreat domestic happiness. His bride, Miss Eliza- beth Doty, is a lady whose beautiful Christian character and sound judgment, make her not only highly respected but much beloved by all in the community. She was born in this county in Marcb, 1839. The eight children who have blessed this happy union are as follows: Lionn E., Charles M., who has married a Miss Stewart; Robert 15.: William E.;John V.. who died when about eighteen years old: Minnie M.. Marion Elbert and James M. Mr. Patterson is deeply interested in all matters of public interest, especially in educational affairs, and he always gladly promotes movements for the betterment of his fellow-citizens, especially in the line of education of the young. He has held the office of School Director for several years. His political views are expressed in the platform of the Democratic party and he i< eai and hearty in his advocacy of these. Ilis good wife is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and this family is respected and admired by their neighbors. HARLES M. EDWARDS. Among u.. prominent and progressive tanners in Scott- ville, we are pleased to mention this gentle- man who has cultivated the three hundred and twenty acres of land which he entered many years ago and who has made of it a garden spot in the county. He was born on his father's farm in Scottville Township, June 28, 1844. Peter Ed- wards, his father, has been a prominert farmer in Morgan and Macoupin Counties and was a Virgin- ian by birth. He went from that Sate with his parents and resided in Kentucky until 1825, when be came to Illinois and settled in Morgan County, becoming one of its pioneers there. When ibis family came hither the greater part of Illinois was still in the hands of the Govern- ment, being a true frontier region and the settle- ment for many years was very slow, while deer. turkeys and oilier kinds of game abounded. The Edwards bought property in Morgan County and resided there until is;?'.) when they came to Ma- coupin County and entered eighty acres of land in Scottville Township, and there resided until the death of the father on the 17lh of May. 1847. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Frances Peinberton and her birth was in Wayne County, Ky., November 12. 1807. Her father, George Pemberton was born in Virginia of Eng- lish parentage, his father having come to this coun- try during the Colonial times. The grandfather of our subject was reared in Virginia and after his marriage there went to what is now West Virginia and from there to Kentucky about the year I sim>, thus becoming one of the pi- oneers of that State, lie selted in Wayne County, and bought a trad of timber land and with his ax hewed oul a Splendid farm about eighteen miles from Monticello. He resided there till his death in 1832 and his good wife, .lane Miller, daughter of Frederick Miller of Virginia came to Illinois in 1834 and there resided for about a year when she died in 1 835. Tiie mother of our subject was born and reared in Wayne County. Ky.. and there had her early training, learning as did the pioneer girls of that day to card, spin and weave and in her early mar- ried life she usi d to manufacture all the clothing used in her family. In 1833 she made her first visit to Illinois, traveling on horseback and being fourteen days on the road. In 1836 she returned to Kentucky and after a few months" visit there agaiu made her home in Illinois. Although she is now quite advanced in age her mind is clear and her disposition is most cheerful and delightful. She now makes her home with her son. Three of the six children of these parents are now living and of the nine children of the father by his pre- vious marriage all have passed away. He of whom we write had his training and edu- cation in his native township and his home through- out life has been upon the old homestead. His mar- riage in 1868 brought to his home a worthy bride PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in the person Of Mercy A. Hill who was |„, rn at Connersville, Ind.. an.) is a daughtei : ,min Bad Elizabeth Bill. Five children have 1.1 -• the home of oar subject: Frances, Lizzii W., Mary Ella. Charles If. The eldest is now mar- ried to Mr. John T.Owens. In the early da t::e township. Mr. Edwards was active in it< • i/.ation and government and was its first .\-- • He i- ;. Democrat in his political views and « with that party. DAM DEAHL. Of German- American par- ^_J entnge our subjec' has inherited from tiie one side prudence, thrift, and intellectual vigor, with a tendency to analyze and care for detail; from the maternal side he gets the inher- itance of nerve, quickness of perception and prompt decision. His father was Andrew Deal)!, a native of Germany. His mother was Matilda(Shultz)I)eahl. a native of Pennsylvania. The parents resided prior to their coming to this Male, in Maryland and removed hither in the year I" ming directly to Macoupin County, ami settling tion 23. of Shipman Township, whereon their - a? present resides. Mr. Deahl's parents removed to Nebraska in 1879, and died in Lancaster County of that Stale. They had a large family of whom our subject was the second. He was born in Allegany County. Md.. March 1^. 1*4". and his marriage took place in the same county. Ma\ 19, 1861. There they lived until the fall of 1865 when with his family and accompanied by his father's family he came to Macoupin County. For the first ten years after their settlement here our subject was engaged in carpenter work in Ship- man Township, which trade he had learned in his native State. On the parents' removal to Nebraska he traded with his father for the farm where he now lives. It now comprises three hundred and sixty acres and he has erected thereon a tine resi- dence, containing all the comforts and couvenie that modern life considers so n ssary. Bes this he has also put up other good buildings. His barns a-e con |uate for the de- mands upon them. Mrs. Delhi's maiden name w;i< Elisabeth S - . ghtet ^f John ami Catherine I' - m. The former was born in Germany, the latter in Pennsylvania. ' Delhi's father was but - - ..Id when lie came rents. In the fall of 1866 they came to Macoupin County, and lived one winter in Shipman. thence reraovins to Montgom- ery County where he lives a retired life. He has been a farmer pation having been success- ful in that line. Mrs Deabl was one of n children, she being the eldest of the familv. she was born in what was at th?t time Allegany Counly. now Garrett County. Md. April ■>■'>. I - The subject of this sketch and his capable wife are the parents of ten children, six of whom are still living. They are: Matilda C Susan K.. Henry C, Mary F.. Royal A., and Virginia. The ised children were taken away in infancy. Matilda is the wife of Lafayette Clardy. Mar>- F. is the wife of W. C lower. In politic- Mi . Deabl is a Democrat. He an I his wife .'.re members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in which they take their place not only as Stanl and consistent atlendanis but as generous supporters and energetic helpers in every mea- either philanthropic or religious that may be there broached. +i-;. FNUV C. KAB1.F. The highly cultivated farm of four hundred and eighty acres, lo- cated in North Otter Township, on section 12, is owned by Henry C. Kxbie. It seems a pity that so prep-- -- _ a man with so fine and sive worldly md one who - - fitted I., make a happy home for some sweet woman, should spend his days in single Li - but such is the case, and although the fact is to be deplored, the domestic arrangement of the h< - hold does not seem to suffer for want of wumanlv care. The" parents of our subject were .lames and Su- san (Garver) Kable. of whom a sketch will be found under the name <>f James Kable on another 868 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. page of this Record. Our subject was the fifth child of his father. He was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 8, 1849, and there he lived until 1864, when he came to Macoupin Count\ with his father's family. Since that lime he has been a resident of North Oiler Township. and always engaged in agricultural pursuits. Until the spring of L883 Mr. Kable remained at home with his parents. At that time he pur- chased the farm where he now lives. He settled on the same the following year, and has since been occupied in i i s cultivation and in keeping up the buildings u. on the place, lie gives his attention wholly to farming, his favorite pursuit being the raising of fine stock, of which he has a large number. In polities Mr. Kable is a Republican, and al- though his fellow-farmers are not generally in favor of the protective tariff, that appealing more to the manufacturing class than to the agricultur- ists, he of whom we write feels that in protecting the manufacturer the farmers are making their own market. ■ • IELIAM 1. GATES. We are gratified to * be able to place before our readers the '■J^p name of one who has not only served the community well as a business man, but has also in his private life been consistently worthy of the ie gard in which he is held by his neighbors. He now has charge of the business of the Adams Ex- press Company at Staunton, having had the inter- ests of that company under his personal control ever since the agency was here established. He was formerly in the grocery business, keeping both a staple and fancy stock. He has been a resi- dent of the city and vicinity all his life, and was here reared and educated. Since he reached the age of sixteen he has been in some kind of busi- ness. Our subject was born near Staunton, April 2, 1 867, and is the son of Joseph C. and Sarah (Bruce) < i :itos, natives of Ohio, who came to Illinois nef ore their marriage and settled in this vicinity on a farm. Later they removed into the city, and here the mother died in 1887 at the early age of thirty-eight years. The father, who still survives, now resides here and has reached the age of fifty - eight. The marriage of our subject at Edwardsville, this State, gave him a faithful and devoted wife in the person of Miss Jennie llalliday, who was born near Chesterfield, March 4, 1870. She was early orphaned, as her mother w«is called from earth when this daughter was only a few months old and the father passed away before she had reached the age of three years, but she was carefully reared by her paternal grandmother, who is now deceased, and on the death of that faithful and devoted grand- parent, this lady fell heir to a comfortable fortune. She had received a thorough and excellent educa- tion in the public schools of Madison County, and has more than ordinary intelligence and ability as well as refinement. Mr. and Mrs. Gates are both members af the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Gates be- longs to Lodge No. 685, I. O. O. E., at Staun- ton, and has been prominently identified with all public movements in the city. He is a sound Re- publican, as is also his father, who was a devoted adherent to the Union cause during the war, and fought for three years during that conflict, suffer- ing much from the exposures and privations of army life. Mr. and Mrs. Gates are the happy and proud parents of one son, David Ira, for whose fu- ture they arc solicitous, and upon whose training they are willing to bestow unlimited care and ex- pense. OBERT HORTON. During the years since Illinois has become a richly cultivated and thickly populated State and especially ^®> since her surface has been covered by a net- work of leading railroads, a great business has grown up in the line of shipments of stock and he of whom we write has engaged extensively in this line of business, and has thereby accumulated a handsome property. His father, Oswell Horton, was the son of Augustine, who was born and reared PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in Fauquier County, Ya. With his wife, Mary Taylor, lie emigrated to Kentucky and settled in Green County, where lie died and she somewhat later came to Macoupin County, where she lived until called from her earthly labors about I860. The father of our subject was born in Fauquier County, Ya., May 26, 1807, and was about two years old when bis father removed to Kentucky where this boy grew to manhood and when he was about twenty-one years old came to Illinois, where he found employment in Morgan County foi eral years as agent for a stage company, although lie resided most of the time at Springfield. Later lie took charge of the Springfield and Peoria and Springfield and Terre Haute stage lines, his duties being those of a general superintendent. On ac- count of failing health he decided to devote him- self to a farming occupation and in 1 S 12 he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in North Palmyra Township, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred in that Township. Matilda Norvell was the maiden name of her who became the wife of Oswell Horlon in North Palrnyra.Township, February 22, 1835. She was born in Sumner County, Tenn., her father being William Norvell and her mother Mary Payne, both of whom were Tenncsseans by birth and came from Sumner County, that State, to Macoupin County where they settled in North Palmyra Township, and spent the remainder of their lives, ((swell and Matilda Horton became the parents of four children, two of whom died in infancy, ant the only surviving members of their household are Robert and Mary. Our subject was the eldest of the family and un- born in Jacksonville. III., December 26, 1836. lie passed the first six years of his life outside of Ma- coupin County and then came hither with his par- ents and hr.s since made his residence' on his father's old homestead where he now resides. Most of his education has been gained in the common schools here. His marriage with Miss Rebecca J. Rice took place in North Palmyra Township, March 22. 1860. This lady is a daughter of the late Jasper Rice who was born in Green County. Ky.. May 13, 1812, while her mother. Mary .lone-, was born in Cumberland County. Ky.. March 19, lslti. This couple wire married in North Palmyra Township on the 1611) day of May. 1833, and made their home permanently here. Mis. Horlon was born in this township. May 6, 1843. I ntil 1865 Mr. Horton engaged in farming in partnership with his father and became one of the most energetic and successful fanners and traders in this county, devoting hiuiseli largely to buying and selling stock. The old home farm is supplied with the very best of farm buildings and the home is lined with even convenience and luxury. Our Subject and hi.- g 1 wife are the happy parents of four children: Kdward L., William II.. John I... and Luther (). William II. is now married to Miss Llizabeth Rohrer. Mr. Horton makes Chicago his market almost exclusively foi his large shipments of stock, which he is able to care for well upon his splendid farm of nine hundred acres. He has tilled the office of Highway Commissioner, and also that hool Trustee, and in his political views he is in sympathy with the Democratic parly. Mrs. Horton is a devout member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church ami an active worker in its charities. Our subject is a member of the Order of Odd Fel- lows and also of the Orange. No. 1629, ami also of the Macoupin County Grange and in the fall of 1890, he was chosen a delegate to tile stateGrange which met at Springfield. BRAHAM CRAMP. There is nothing mine truly charming lo one who appreci- ates the genuine harmony of life, than the beauties of old age when life has been spent in the diS( (large of duty and 'he practice of the CbriBlian religion; ami such a life we have be- fore us in the subject of this sketch who has now- retired from farming and is living upon his home on section 21. Hilyard Township, where he has re- sided foi many years. When he took this farm of one hundred acres in 1S1 I. it was all wild land and he has made of it a thoroughly equipped and richlj cultivated estate and has been a successful farmer. Besides this property he has owned and improved a number of other farms, 870 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Cramp came to this county in 1838 and since that date this has been his home. He had his birth January 20, 1807, in Kent County. England, and came to this country in 1832 when he was twenty- five years old, making his first home in Canada. lie had previously been married to Miss Sarah Pel- !att who was horn in Surrey, England. They had three children when they left their native land, but on the voyage one of them sickened and died, and they had the inexpressible grief of burying it be- neath the waves. After living for some time in • Quebec they removed to Prescott. N. Y.. and sev- eral years later carne to Illinois, where they have led uneventful but most worthy lives. In-this township Mr. and Mrs. Cramp labored together with success, and sixty-three years of mar- ried life had passed over their heads before the death of the beloved wife and mother which look place May 9, 1888. She had reached the age of eighty-two years. The memory of her noble, kindly- anil truly lovable character is a precious memorial which her children and friends would aol barter for the proudest lineage of European nobility. She was one of the first members of the Methodist Episcopal Chinch when it was formed in this county^ being one of a class of six who initialed that movement, and her husband is the only one of the charter members now living. Mr. Cramp is one of the venerable men of his township who are truly beloved by all who come within the scope of his influence because his character is unclouded by stain and his kindly heart has made him the friend of every man, woman and child. Our subject came to this country a poor man without a dollar, and he is now in possession of three hundred and forty acres in the richest section of Illinois, besides one hundred and sixty acres which he has disposed of to his children. Six of his ten children are now living. Charles, who is now a retired farmer and stock- raiser, living in Blooraington, III., married Henrietta Hopkins. William took to wife Miss Cora Rawson, and now lives on a farm in Montgomery County, this State. Sarah M., who has ever remained at home and lias acted a daughter's part most faithfully in the ten- der care of her aged parents, still lives with her father. Ruth R., the widow of Thomas CYse, is now in the asylum at Jacksonville, having for some years past lost her mind. Samuel took to wife Miss Susannah Heed and is a prominent minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church in East St. Louis. Ezra, who now resides at Raymond, Mont- gomery County. 111., married Miss Olive Calloway. Not only the parents but all the members of this family are earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. •-^OLOMOX N. SANFORD, of Bunker Hill, has been a resident of this county since 1857, and claims the honor of being a na- tive-born citizen of Illinois. He was born in Mcnar a stockholder and Director of the Bunker Hill Nail Company, which was established in Jan- uary. 1890, and is also Manager and Treasurer of die Boss Coulter Company, which was formed in For fifteen years he has been Director of the Library Association and for the same length of time has served on the School Board as Clerk. The cause of education has tound in him a warm friend, and he has done not a little toward pro- moting the high standard of Bunker Hill's schools. A public-spirited and progressive man, he is num- bered among the valued citizens of the community and has ever manifested a commendable interest in all that pertains to the upbuilding and welfare of town and county. As a business man he is in- dustrious and enterprising and in consequence suc- cessful. While in the grocery trade his fair deal- ing and courteous treatment won him hosts of friends, and whoever he meets either in business or social circles, accord him their high esteem and good will. K§S* RED L. BLO.ME. This gentleman is the editor and proprietor of the Staunton Times, which he has had charge of since September. 1885, and has made it a newsy, eight column weekly folio. It is a spicy little paper edited with considerable ability, and issued every Friday. He is a practical printer and his olliee, in its com- pleteness for getting out a paper and doing job work, is as good as is to be found in the county. It has been the ambition of Mr. Blome to improve his paper from year to year, and he now contem- plates an increase in size to a six column quarto, which will be as large a paper as is issued in Ma- coupin County. It has a good local circulation which is steadily increasing. Mr. Blome is a practical man and is working hard for the good of 872 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the town where he now resides, and lends his aid willingly to every enterprise calculated to better the place and its people. Prior to coming hither, Mr. Blome had been en- gaged in the publishing business in Warrenton, Mo., where he caricd on the Warrenton Banner, and where his first newspaper work was done. After serving his apprenticeship there he went Bonanza, Colo., where he took the position of foreman on the Daily Enterprise until the summer of 1882, when he went to Villa Grove, in the same State, and was there one of the proprietors of the Di*- patch. Later he returned to Mongomery County, Mo., ai:d two years after this went to his old home, Warrenton. and thence, in 1885. came to Staunton. The subject of this sketch was born in Lincoln County. Mo., June 5, 1862, and is a son of Lyman and Dorothy Blome, who were of German birth and came from the Fatherland to the United States immediately after their marriage. Their migration to this country was in the last half of the '40s. and their first settlement was made in the city of Chicago, and then for awhile in Washing- ton, Mo. The father had learned the boot and shoe business in Germany and he follower! that after coming to this country. They finally located at Truxton, Lincoln County. Mo., and there our subject was bom. Eight years later the father died at the age of forty-seven. His widow is still living and makes her home with the daughter, Mrs. Mary Miller, at Marys ville, Cal. She is now upwards of three-score years and ten and in her old age is resting from her labors. She is a mem- ber of the Methodist Church as was her husband in his lifetime. Our subject is the youngest of four children born to his parents two of whom died in infancy, and he anil his sister Mary are all that now remain of that once happy household. Mr. Blome was married in Staunton to Miss Ella Jageman who was born in Madison County and had her training and education in Staunton. She comes from an ex- cellent family, being the daughter of Charles \V. and Kate Jageman who were formerly well-known throughout this part of the State and are now liv- ing in Arizona. She is a woman of more than or- dinary ability and brightness and is an earnest worker in the Presbyterian Church. The political views of Mr. Blome cause him to affiliate person- ally with the Democratic party but his paper is in- dependent in both politics and religion. — .$_ ) AMES S. THOMPSON. Among the reputa- ble men who in the conduct of business matters and the duties belonging to the various relations of life have acquired a worthy name, mention should lie made of Mr. Thompson who is now the Superintendent of the Macoupin County Alms House, which is located on section Hi, Carlinville Township. He was born in Wayne County, III., September 5, 1838 and there spent his boyhood days until 1851 when he started out in life for himself, coming to Scotts- ville Ihis county where for one year he lived with his brother. L. J. Thompson. The marriage of our subject with Miss Rhoda J. Conlee took place in Palmyra Township, this county, March 31, 1858. This lady was born in the township where she was married on December 22, 1837, ami there she grew to womanhood, re- ceiving educational and domestic training. The first wedded home of this .young couple was in South Otter Township, where they rented land and lived for a year, and then removed to South Pal- myra Township, which continued to be their home until 18G5. During their residence there Mr. Thompson was for three years engaged in the saw- mill business and during the remainder of the time carried on farming. Our subject was now tilled with a desire to go farther West and see more of pioneer life, and sell- ing his property he removed to Johnson County, Neb., where he homesteaded and farmed for a year only when he felt satisfied to return to Macoupin County and make his home in Girard, where he acted as engineer for something over a year. For ten years he then lived in South Palmyra Town- ' ship, and again sold his property and bought one I hundred acres in South Otter Township, and four I years later disposed of that and bought a farm of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ninety-five acres in South Palmyra Township which lie now lias in the hands of a tenant. The appointment as Superintendent of the Ma- coupin County Alms House, was made in March, 1888, and Mr. Thompson has since filled that posi- tion with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. This institution is calculated to ac- commodate about one hundred inmates and while it is conducted on business principles, kindly care is given to the unfortunate inmates by both the Su- perintendent and his estimable wife. Eight living children form the family of Mr. and Mis. Thomp- son, namely : Alice S. wife of J. E. Bacon ; Thomas M. married Miss Martha Little; Clara 1$., Mrs. John W. Kidd; James S. .Ir. ; George A.: Amelia .1. wife of Douglas Davidson; Olive M.. and Will- iam R. M. They have also laid to rest three chil- dren, John M., Mary M. and Franklin E. Mr. Thompson has held the office of Road Over- seer of South Palmyra Township, and also that of Highway Commissioner for several years. For four years he was Road Overseer in South Otter Township, and has ever taken an active part in political affairs, being an ardent Democrat. Both he and his good wife are devoted members of the Baptist Church. E MANTEL FRIEDMAN", sole manager of the banking interests of E. Friedman it I Co., of Staunton, and one of the represent- ative business men of that place, is a native-born citizen of Illinois, and his entire life has been passed within the borders of that State. H's birth occurred in Tazewell County on the 22d of Feb- ruary. 1854, and he is of German descent. His father. Mayer Friedman, was born in Germany and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to America, locating first in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he became acquainted with and wedded Mina Eich- berg,who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, and came to America during childhood. After their marriage they emigrated Westward ami be- came residents of Tazewell County, III., where Mr. Friedman embarked in merchandising on a small scale at Arminulon. In 1857 he removed to Maroa, which was then a mere hamlet, and opened a general merchandise store, which he tallied on successfully for many years. From the beginning his trade constantly increased and he had to proportionately enlarge his stork, which thus kept glowing until he was at the head of a large establishment. A- tin- result of his indus- try, perseverance and good management he ac- quired a handsome property, and lie and his wife are now living retired lives, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He has reached the age of sev- enty years and his wife is about ten years his junior. The subject of this sketch was quite young when the family removed to Maroa. where he was reared to manhood and acquired his primary education, which was supplemented by a course in one of the excellent private schools of Cincinnati, Ohio. His business training was received in his father's si which he entered at the age of fourteen, and since that time has been ever connected with mer- cantile interests. For some years he was employed as a salesman in Maroa and l'axton, and January 1. 1888, came to Staunton. In the month of August, 1886, S. A. Friedman established a private bank as a membe; of the tirm of Bichberg, Friedman & Co., under which style business was carried on until September. 1887, when a change in the man- agement occurred, the bank becoming the prop erty of S. A. Friedman * Co. They continued business until February, 1891, since which time the bank has been the property of !•'.. Friedman & Co. As before stated, our subject is sole manager, and under his able administration the bank has become one of the leading financial institutions of the community. It is established on a financial basis and represents a capital of about $40,000. Business is carried on in the line of domestic and foreign exchange, "ceciving deposits, and in other branches of general banking business. It is located in the fine structure which was re- cently erected and is known as the Quade Block, being the finest business block in tin' city. The bank is complete in all its appointments and is equipped with an absolute burglar-proof Hall safe, which is placed within a lire-proof vault. 874 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. August 7, 1890, Mr. Friedman was married, in Staunton, to Miss Maine Ripley, who was born in that city in 1869, and is a daughter of J. R. Rip- ley, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The young couple hold an enviable posi- tion in social circles and are widely and favorably known throughout the community. Mr. Friedman is a worthy representative of that class of progres- sive and enterprising business men to whom the city owes her prosperity and greatness. He is now serving as City and Township Treasurer with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all con- cerned. Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason, be- longing to the Blue Lodge of Staunton, of which he is Warden, and to the Chapter at Maroa. He also holds membership with Staunton Lodge. No. 685, I. 0. O. F., in which he has filled all the chairs and is now Treasurer; and is also a member of Royal Lodge, No. 109, K. of P.. of Moroa. BRAHAM G. KABLF. The original of this sketch is the owner of and resident on the fine farm located on section 15, North Otter Township. He is a son of .lames and Susan (Garver) Kable, whose histjry will be found in the sketch of James Kable in another part of this Rkcord. Our subject was the second son and fourth child born to his parents, his natal day being December 16, 1844. Ohio was his native State. He grew to manhood in the State where he was born and just as the country was beginning to think that it could rest after the turmoil of four years of the most terrible warfare the world has ever known, our subject came to Macoupin County with his parents, settling here in March. 186.1. He belonged to the State Militia 147, Ohio Volunteers, and got a discharge when he left the State. Mr. Kable continued to live at home until his marriage, at which time he went back to Ohio for his bride. He was married in Troy, Ohio, Febru- ary 8, 1866, the lady's maiden name being Mattie C. Stafford, a daughter of George P. and Elizabeth (Pumphrey) Stafford. They were among the early settlers in Miami County, Ohio, going there from West Virginia. The Kables eame from Pennsyl- vania. The mother's death took place at her home, August 14, 1846, when only twenty-six years of age; the father still survives and had three children by his first marriage, Mrs. Kable being the youngest of the family. She was born in Miami County! Ohio, October 18, 1845. On the marriage of our subject he lived on a farm given him by his father fourteen years. Then he purchased the farm where he now resides, and he is the owner of four farms. Mr. Kable has always been engaged in farming, especially favor- ing the raising of stock. His farm comprises be- tween four and five hundred acres of land and his residence is a commodious and elegant dwelling. There are also other buildings upon the farm in which he has invested a large sum of money. Mr. and Mrs. Kable are the parents of four children. They are George J., Mary E., Carrie M.. and Eva M. The eldest daughter is the wife of William Wallace, and resides in North Otter. Carrie M. was united in marriage to William E. Alderson, and resides in North Otter. George .1. was united in marriage to Minnie A. Ransom, of Pueblo, Colo., and resides at North Otter. Mr. Kable Ins held some of the minor offices in the township, but although he is public-spirited and generous, he thinks that his own business should receive attention before that of any other. AMES KABLE, a well known resident of section 4, North Otter Township, was born in Berks County, Pa., January 3, 1805, and is a son of Daniel Kable and Mary Rice, both natives of that State. They removed from the Keystone State to the Old Domion in 1815 and there lived through the remainder of their lives. Our subject was but ten years old when his parents removed to Jefferson County, Va., where he took the remainder of his education and grew up to a sturdy and self-respecting manhood. In 1829 he decided to move West and made his home in Greene County, Ohio. In this new home our subject was united in mar- 6. PORTRAIT AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 875 riage on May 14, 1837, with Mi>> Susan Garver, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Garver na- tives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. This lady was born in Maryland and when quite young removed with her parents to Virginia, and when she was about fifteen years old they reino\ ed to Clarke County, Ohio, which continued the fam- ily home until after her marriage. The young married couple established themselves in Greene County. Ohio, and afterward removed to Miami County where they lived until 1864, when they came to Macoupin County and settled upon a farm in North Otter Township, where they have since resided. They are the parents of seven liv- ing children, namely: Hannah, Benjamin I-'.. Eliza, Abraham G., Henry C, Laura and Charles W. and they have twice had the grief which par- ents know when they have to lay in the grave their beloved children. The names of the two who have passed over the dark river are John and Isaac. Mr. Kable has throughout life engaged in agri- cultural pursuits and with his good wife he is now living at an advanced age. both being members of the German Baptist Church. This venerable couple are spending their last days in quiet retire- ment surrounded by their children, and all the cit- izens of the township unite in wishing for them a calm and peaceful period as a closing epoch of their worthy lives. -f-»-S«§NSS=>§-i~^ 1890. ROF. B. F. PEADRO. This scholarly gentleman and ex-Superintendent of Schools in Macoupin Count}', closed his second term in that office in December. He has been a teacher in the county since 1871, having come hither in 186;"). He received his education in this county and in the State I'nivcr- sity at Champaign, graduating with the Class of '81. He is a thorough student and iias been one of the leading educators of Macoupin County since the year of his graduation, and in 1882 was elected County Superintendent of Public Instruction. He has also been notable as a lecturer as he has a course of six illustrated lectures on European topics. which have wun for him favorable mention by the pre-.- and an excellent reputation on the platform. This gentleman was born in Campbell County, K\.. and is a a f I!. ('•. Peadro and a grandson of John Peadro, both Virginians, of French ex- traction. The great-grandfather of our subject was a ioldiei ami served through the Revolutionary War under (Jen. Washington. IS. s .-, i . His father, Jacob Bowereox, was born in Uniontown, Pa., October l">. 1808, and his father, Benjamin Bowersox, was a native of the same county. Our subject's great-grandfather was born in Germany and came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. A blacksmith by trade, our sub- 876 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ject's grandfather removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1818 and settled in Miami County. With his family of six children he started out to Ohio by embarking on a datboat and they floated down the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. On arriving at their destination our subject's grandfather pur- chased a tract of timber land near the present site of Fletcher, at a time when there were but few white people, the Indians being their most frequent callers. To guard against the hostilities ot the red men, the settlers resided near block houses, to which they tied in time of danger. The old gentle- man turned his attention to trade while his sons cleared the farm and reduced the place to a good state of order. There the father remained until his death. Our subject's father had acquired considerable experience while still a young man in heavier farm work, having assisted in clearing the land of the homestead. He remained on the farm until grown and then commenced life for himself. He went to the Indian reservation and was there engaged as an Indian trader for a time, then returned to Miami County and in 182S) was married to Miss Sarah Scudder. She was a daughter of Jonathan Scudder and was born September, 1807. in Greene County, Pa. After marriage our subject's father entered a tract of Government land near the old homestead. There was no railroad at the time and he became engaged in teaming on the road from Toledo to Dayton and intervening points. In that way he earned money enough to enter a tract of Government land near the old home and then turned his attention to the improvement of the land he had purchased. Mr. Bowersox's father's house was eight miles from Piqua on the turnpike from Columbus to the last named place and his house was for some years a stage station. In 18u3 he sold this and removed to Macoupin County, where he secured a farm and remained until his death, which occurred October 17, 1876. The mother of our subject still survives at the age of eighty-three years. She has nine children still living. They are David, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Margaret, Benjamin, Jacob and George \V. As will be seen, our subject is the youngest of these children. The major portion of his education was received in the public schools of Miami Township. He later attended school in Macoupin County and was graduated in 1872. The following year he commenced teaching and in that way accumulated money enough to continue his education and entered the Indian Normal School at Valparaiso, from which he graduated with the Class of '79. During the time Mr. Bowersox was teaching he commenced the study of law and in 1881 was ad- mitted to the bar and in 188;} opened an office in Guard, where he has practiced ever since. A Democrat in his political views, our subject has filled various offices. He served as Assessor of his township for two terms and also served as Super- visor. In 1883 he was appointed County Super- intendent of Schools and elected to that position in 1884. In 1888 he was elected a member of the County Board of Supervisors representing Girard and in 1890, was again elected to the same posi- tion, lie is a member of the Girard Lodge, No. 171 A. F. A- A. M. and Girard Chapter, No. 132, R. A. M., also Hiawatha Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. D Al'HAN CHAMBERLlN,of Virden, whoss success in life has been such as to attrect _ the attention of all who know him, was born in the town of Marcy. Oneida County, N. Y . July 30, 1825. His father, Haclialiah Cham- berlin, was a native of New England and became a pioneer in Oneida County, where he bought a tract of timber land, and having built a log house, commenced to clear a farm. He resided there until his death and had in the meantime put it in first-class order and erected good frame buildings. His wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Delano, was also a New Englander and survived her hus- band for seven years. Their five children are: Hannah, David, Ira, Franklin and Nathan, our subject being the j'oungest of the family. Having received his early training upon the farm and in the district schools, he left home at the age of eighteen and came to Illinois in June, 1843 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. >77 traveling by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to St Louis, and then following the Illinois River to the mouth of Apple Creek in Greene County. He found employment among the farmers neai i.' 1 house at 18 a month, and was soon enabled to rent land, upon which he resided in Greene County until 1840. During August of that year he re- turned to his Eastern home to secure a bride and in the spring of 1847 returned to Greene County and spent n short time, and then went hack to Marcy, where he managed the old farm until Sep- tember. 1848. He then returned to Greene County, but in the fall of 1849 came to this county and en- tered three hundred and twenty acres on section 5, of what is now North Otter Township. This was prairie land and he bought it on Mexican land warrants, so that it cost him only $226. He built a frame house at once and prepared ten acres for culture. In those days there was no railroad here and Alton was the nearest market, as there was no house where Yirden now stands, the greater part of the surrounding country being still owned by the Government and the resort of wild deer. Our subject resided on this land until 1881, and dur- ing that time had improved the eastern part of it and sold the other half, and bought another one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he built his home. In 1881 he rented the farm and went to California, where he spent one year in Sonoma County, after which he returned to Virden, hut in the fall of 1882 went again to California, but re- turned to Litchfield in the fall of 1884, where he engaged in the grocery business for a year and a half and then sold out and came to Virden in No- vember, 1890. Here Mr. Chamberlin bought an interest in the hardware and furniture business and also handles agricultural implements, carriages and wagons. He married Lorelta Twitchell. who was horn in the town of Waybridge, Addison County. Vt.. and a sister of S. L. Twitchell, of whom more will be seen elsewhere in this volume. To this excellent couple have been born five children, namely: Leo- nora, Anna J., Ella, Minnie and Carrie. Anna is now the wife of T. .1. Turner and has three chil- dren — Mary, George and Lena. Carrie man ii d John T. Ryan and has two children — Alma Louth and Henry Nathan. Our subject was bereaved by tin' death of his wife on October 18, 1880. He is :i Democrat m his political affiliations and served for seven years as School Director, two years as Assessor, and Ave years as Collector in North ( Itter Township. The subject of this sketch is well known, not only in his township, but also throughout this part of the county, for his sturdy integrity, industry and enterprise, and for the g I success which lias attended his efforts, lie enjoys the unfailing confidence of the community and the social es- teem of his neighbors. — 7ERDINAND WINTER, farmer and sheep- j raiser is located on section 1. where he tm k up his residence in 1864. His early life was passed in Brunswick, Germany, which place records the date of his birth, this important event occurring February 28. 1816. There is much in the life of Mr. Winter to awaken the interest of the biographical reader, for though he has seen the tide of fortune turn against him at times, he has also gained many signal victories in a hand to hand struggle with the world. His father. Frederick Winter, who died in Germany, was a prominent sheep. raiser there. Ferdinand was decidedly a precocious boy developing unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. Until fourteen years of age he assisted his lather and grandfather in the care of Sheep and was then engaged hy others until he reached his majority, at which time, obedient to the laws of the Fatherland) he enrolled his name as a member of the German Army, serving live years, a steady, faithful soldier ever at the post of duty. -lust after his release from army service our sub- ject married Miss Elizabeth Korson, a woman both energetic and ambitious and togethei they launched into that branch of business with which they were most familiar, investing their money, over $1,500 in the purchase and care of sheep, carrying this enterprise successfully forward. Inspired with the idea of seeing the New World 878 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. they disposed of their interests and came to Amer- ica, landing in New Orleans on July 1. 184.5. From here they proceeded to St. Louis where they lived seven years. During this time Mr. Winter vigor- ously prosecuted the business of butchering but success refusing to smile upon him he closed bis market. Nothing daunted by this turn of affairs, be commenced the buying and driving of stock to the St. Louis markets. His success and increased finances led him into a plan by which he thought to still further enhance his wealth and in an evil moment he placed li is capital in an enterprise which left his resources in an impoverished con- dition. This loss fell heavily upon him but he went bravely to work at whatever he could find to do, being engaged principally on a steamer plying be- tween St. Louisand New Orleans. In 1849 his wife fell a victim to cholera and sank into the grave, leaving her husband and two children, Fred and Anstema, to weep over her loss. One child born to these parents died in infancy. In 18.51 Mr. Winter went to Sangamon County where he was employed by Charles S Hoppin as shepherd. The most important event of the five years of his engagement with that gentleman, was his marriage in 1854. in St. Louis, to Sophia Burg- doff, who died ten years later. The story of her death is a sad one. Possessing an affectionate heart. she was sincerely attached to Fred Winter, her step-son. On the outbreak of the Rebellion, Fred entered the army, enlisting in the Third Illinois Cavalry and passed three years in the service. At Memphis, Tenn., he received a wound from which he never rallied but died in the hospital at that place, in 1804. Mrs. Winters, in her anxiety for his welfare, betook herself to Memphis to care for the wounded hoy. While there an attack of swamp fever resulted in her death which took place a few weeks after her return to her home in Carlinville Township. She was the mother of two children, one of whom died while an infant; the other, Ernest F., is a fanner in South Otter Township and inherits his father's propensity for sheep-rais- ing. Upon severing his connection with Mr. H., our subject rented a tract of land, occupying it until 1864, when he removed to Macoupin Count}- and purchased an extensive farm in Carlinville Town- ship. Being a prudent man of frugal habits and living always within his income, he gained the re- spect and confidence of some of the Springfield bankers and they gave him such financial aid as enabled him to go to Michigan and make large purchases of sheep; and the ample competence which he now enjoys, shows that their faith in his integrity and executive ability was not misplaced. Ke commands the returns from seven hundred and thirty acres of land and is known to have some of the very best blood in his large flock of over six hundred sheep among them being pure Mer- inos and other high grades. During the years 1863-04, his profits amounted to over #32,000; 128,000 of this he used in buying land in Macoupin County. .Mi. Winter's third marriage occurred in St. I.ouis. January 11, 1806, when he was wedded to t nrolinc Lutger, a native of Germany, born Octo- ber 22, 1840. Two children have graced this union, one of whom lived but a short time; the other. Henry II., remains under the parental roof. Mr. Winter and his estimable wife are members of th>- Oei man Lutheran Church. His first vote was cast for Zachary Taylor, at which time he warmly advocated the measures of the Democratic party luit upon the nomination of Abraham Lincoln who had befriended ami advised him while in Spring- field, and for whom he had a strong attachment, he connected himself with the Republican party to the principles of which he is strongly devoted. UILLIAM Ol'ADK, one of the enterprising business men of Staunton who has been VV prominently identified with the upbuilding of the city, now carries on a hotel in a tine business block which he recently erected. He was born in Weslphalen, Prussia, on June 23, 1833, and is the fourth in order of birth in a family of eleven children, numbering five sons and six daughters, whose parents were Henry and Sophia (Bocherman) Quade. The father, also a native of Prussia, was a shoemaker by trade and followed that business PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 879 throughout his entire life. He died at the age of fifty-five years, and li is wife, who survived him many years, departed this life in the seventy fifth year of her age. They were consistent members of the Lutheran Church. Only three of the family ever came to America. Mrs. Anna Stein in an was the first to cross the At- lantic, coming in 1853, and she and her husband now live on a farm in Madison County, III. Ernest sailed across the Atlantic in 18(i7 and he is engag- ed in agricultural pursuits in Madison County. Next came our subject, who bade adieu to his nat- ive land in September, 18('>7. boarding a steamer in Bremen and lauding at New York. Hence In' made his way to St. Louis and a year later came to Staunton. On-the voyage Mr. t^uade was accompanied by his wife. Her maiden name was Mary Vogelsang. and their union was celebrated in Germany. The lady was born and reared near the childhood home of her husband and came of Prussian parents who lived anil died in Westphalen. Unto Mr. •Juide and his estimable wife have been born six children, four of whom are yet living — Otto E. R. H., who aids his father in the management of his business; William G. II., who is at home; Hannah, the wife of Rudolph Dreibholz. who is. employed as bar- tender in Mr. Quade's hotel and is a genial, jovial man; and Caroline who is still under the parental root. Mary and Carrie died in childhood. Mr. ami Mrs. Quade are members of the Evan- gelical Church and in politics he is a Republican. He is numbered among the public-spirited citizens of the community and is found in the front rank of every enterprise calculated to upbuild Staunton. For a number of years he carried on a saloon in that place, and in 1890, he erected one of the finest blocks in that city, which is known as the Quade Block. It is an elegant structure built of brick and stone with one hundred feet frontage and a depth of sixty-five feet. It is two stories in height with a basement and is occupied as an hotel ami bar-room managed by Mr. Quade, the dry-goods house of H. A. Jones, and tic banking establish- ment of E. Freidman & Co. Mr. Quade carries on a good hotel, furnished with all modern improve- ments and conveniences, and supplied with every- thing necessary for the comfort of his guests. He is a genial hosl who has won favor with the travel- ing public and has made many wo m friends among those with whom he has come in contact. Full of push and energy lie has made everything he pos- sesses and the competence which he has acquired is sufficient for his declining years. ■ F '■■ • ILLIAM II. CIJOMWELL. an intelligent V > ILLIAM II. CR \fij/i nm ' well-educat WW true interest in ucated gentleman who takes a all public affairs, resides upon his farm at Honey Point Township. He was born a few miles east of Dayton. Ohio, November 11, 1886. His father Richard Cromwell was a native of Ilagcrstown, Mi., and was of English descent, and his father was a farmer who worked his land by the 1 help of slave labor, and died near Ilagcrstown. The father of our subject was quite young when he was orphaned by his father's death and he continued to live in .Maryland with his mother until the family removed to Ohio, where the mother bought laud in Greene County, near Xenia, and resided there until her death, complet- ing nearly a century of honorable and virtuous life. In 1842 the parents of our subject came to Illi- nois moving with a team and Una by the way of steamer on ihc Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and made their first stopping place in Alton. They soon rented a farm in Hilyard Township, and later bought a tract of land here. Their first home was in a log house but afterward they put up a good farm residence and made their home there for a number of years, after which they lived for awhile at Bunker Hill. He was a hard worker and had excellent judgment and thus gained a good prop- erty, having at one time four farms at Hilyard Township, besides his home in Bunker Hill where he died June .">, 1889. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Caroline Eichelbcrger and she was a native of Hagerstown, Bid., and now resides in Bunker Hill. Her nine children are our subject. Susan. Margaret, Comfort, Cynthia, Catherine, Mary. Joseph and 880 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. William. Our subject was in his sixth year when he came to this county ami in those days the country was very new, as there was no railroad and the near- est market was at Alton twenty miles away, lie received his education on the farm and in the dis- trict school and as soon as old enough to assist in the farm work he became an efficient helper an this way. Upon attaining his majority Mr. Cromwell leased a tract of land in Ililyard Township, and farmed it for nine years and during that time pur- chased one hundred and twenty acres of fine timber land in Honey Point Township. In the year 1865 he settled on this place and has added to it until he now has two hundred and eighty acres all under cultivation. lie was married on the 3rd of May, 1868, to Mary ('. Hutlon, who was born in North- ern Illinois and is a daughter of Daniel and Mar} Mutton who were natives of Maryland. Our subject is a member of Charter Oak Lodge No. 536, F. & A. M. of Litchfield and in his political views is a stanch Democrat having >-:i*t his first Presidential vote for. lames Buchanan, lie served for two years as County Coroner and has been the Supervisor of Honey Point Township, besides serv- ing as delegate in many county, district and sena- torial conventions. ^pj, ASPER J. JACOBY, a successful dealer in all kinds of furniture and undertaking goods, as well as in pianos and organs, sewing- machines and wall paper, established himself in business in October, 1883, in what is known as the Johnson Block, on the west side of Washington Street in Bunker Hill, and has proven himself a practical and successful dealer. He had come to this place from Brighton, where he had received his early education and training and where he be- gan life as a teacher, and later as a commercial traveler for a St. Louis house, which business he gave up before coming to Bunker Hill. Our subject was horn on the Mississippi River, between New Orleans and St. Louis, while his par- ents were emigrating from their native home and his birth occurred on Christmas Day, 1855. He is the son of Henry Jacoby, of Nassau, Germany, and comes of pure German stock. The father was ap- prenticed to the trade of a mason and in due time married Catherina Peiteralsoa native of Nassau, Germany. After the birth of five children, one of whom was called away by death, Henry Jacoby set out with his family for the United States, taking passage on a sailer from Bremen and spending seven weeks upon the water, coming to port in New ( Orleans. They there took a boat on the Missis- sippi River, with Alton as their destination, and on this trip, as we have said, our subject was born. The family did not tarry long in Alton, but dur- ing the same year came to Macoupin County set- tling near Brighton. At that time Henry Jacoby was s ii pooler than nothing and had a wife and live young children to provide for. He worked hard and saved his money and soon had a little estate of ten acres, to which he added from time to time until he owned one iundred and twenty acres, where be lived many years and made great im- provements. Death came to him December 9. 1885, when he was sixty-six years old. He was a thor- ough Republican in his political views and in the old country was a Lutheran in religion, but after coming here united with his wife with the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. Mis faithful companion, who is still living and is now sixty-seven years old, resides at the old homestead at Brighton. Our subject is one of eleven children of his par- ents, nine of whom are living and eight of them are heads of families. He was married to Miss Anna D. Lippoldt. in Bunker Hill. She was born in Jer- sey County, this State, April 15, 1858, and was quite young when her parents, J. G. and Henrietta (Lippoldt) Lippoldt, came to Brighton, in this county. There they lived for some time and then removed to Hilyard Township, where they now re- side on a farm and are now sixty-four and sixty years of age respectively. They came to this coun- try from Saxony, Germany, where they were born and reared. Mrs. Jacoby received from her parents both careful training and a thorough education, and she was well fitted to take up life's work. She is now the mother of four children; Oscar K. L,, Clare H, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. SSI E., Ettie F. and Edwin. Mr. and Mrs. Jacoby arc members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, in which be is a Steward and has been Sun- day-school Superintendent for eight years. He lias two brothers. Revs. P. W. and H. C. Jacoby, who are ill the ministry of this church in Missouri and the former is an elder in the Si. Louis Circuit. Our subject is a member of the Blue Lodge. No. 151, of the Masonic order at Bunker Hill, and is filling the office of City Treasurer, being a man of public spirit and an earnest and zealous member of the Republican parly. HARLES W. SMITH, one of the leading grocers 01 Gillespie and a wide-awake and '/J enterprising young business man, establish- ed business in this line in the autumn of 1882, as a member of the firm of Alliens & Smith. This partnership continued for a year, when Mr. Ahrens sold out, our subject becoming sole proprietor and under bis able management the business has thrived. He carries a full and complete line of Staple and fancy groceries, glass, queensware and provisions and has a good trade, thereby securing an excel- lent income. He has been a close observer, thus having learned the wants and wishes of the public. Earnestly desiring to please his customers he sup- plies them with a fine line of goods, in manner is genial and pleasant and all of his business dealings are characterized by fairness. Mr. Smith has spent his entire life in this coun- ty, his birth having occurred in Gillespie Town- ship, October 13, 1855. He is the eldest child of AVeye G. Schmidt, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Upon his father's farm the days of his boyhood and youth were passed, he aiding in the cultivation of the land during the summer months, while in the winter season he attended I he district schools of the neighborhood, where his education was acquired. As a helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Minnie Mohlmann, who was born in < tar many, in May, 1861, and when a child came with her parents to this country, the family settling in Macoupin County, 111., where the death of her mother occurred. Mr. Mohlmann subsequently re- moved to l'lalt County, Neb , where he is now en- ured in farming. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. "^m it h. three children have been horn but Only Annie is now living. Christina and William both died of scar- let fever in 1890. The parents are members .,•' the Lutheran Church, to the support of which they contribute liberally of their means and they are numbered among the leading citizens of Gillespie, where they have a pleasant home, the abode of hospitality, and are surrounded by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who esteem them highly. In polities. .Mr. smith is a Democrat, having sup- ported that party since be attained his majority. He manifests a Commendable interest in all that per- tains to the upbuilding and welfare of the com- munity, identifies himself with its best enterprises and well deserves to be mentioned among the hon- ored pioneers and best citizens of his native coun- ty. g - »g «- 3 4p^% AMUEL COMER. A fine farm on section ^*^£ 22, Bird Township, is the place that Sam- MLM ue ' (-' HARLES C. CAMPBELL, who for years Y -' has been one of the prominent business men ^^dl J of Bunker Hill, is now living a retired life in the enjoyment of a well-earned competence In his beautiful home, surrounded by all of the com forts of life, he will probably spend the remainder of his days in the midst of friends who esteem him highly for his sterling worth. No man in this community is more worthy of a representation in this volume than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Campbell was born in Upper Alton, 111.. March 11, 183;"). and is of Scotch descent. His paternal great grandfather, Andrew Campbell, be- longed to the clan of Campbell, which was driven out of Scotland at the time of the religious troubles in that country. He and a brother emigrated to America prior to the Revolutionary War and es- pousing the cause of the Colonies, he served in the American army for eight years, three months and thirteen days. He died in 1833 at the advanced age of eighty-six. having been born in 1747. John R. Campbell, the grandfather of our subject, spent, his entire life in New Jersey, dying in Trenton, when in the prime of life. He was a manufacturer of stoneware and was connected with some of the leading potteries of that city. His son, John A., father of Charles was also a native of New Jersey and followed the tradcofa potter. He married Eliza T. Cook, who was bom in New Jersej of American parents who were of Frcjch extraction, and immedi- ately thereafter the young couple started westward. They traveled by way of the canals, and tlie Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and landed in Alton in 1834. It was .Mr. Campbell's intention to go to St. Louis and engage in the pottery business bul friends in Alton persuaded him to locate in thai vicinity, as Alton was then the larger city of the two. He here abandoned liis trade and embarked in farming, transforming from the wild and un- broken prairie an excellent farm which he made his home lor a half century. Such was the unsettled condition of the country at the time of his arrival, that wolves "ere still seen roaming over the prai- ries and the deer frequently appeared in such large numbers that they would destroy a corn crop. Mr. Campbell lived to see the wonderful growth and progress, witnessed the establishment and upbuild- ing of Bunker Hill and saw St. Louis transformed from a village into one of the leading cities of the West. He was burn June 11. 1812 and died March 15, 1885, respected by all who knew him. He was a local Methodist minister and his upright life proved oftentimes as potent as his preaching. In polities, he was a stanch Democrat, taking a leading part in political affairs. A man of strong convictions, he fearlessly expressed his views and his outspoken and upright manner won him the confidence of all. His wife survived him three years and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Younger in Bunker Hill Township, October 19, 1887, at the age of seventy-three years, she was also a consistent Methodist and a most estima- ble lady whose many graces and excellencies of character won tor her many friends. The family of this worthy couple numbered nine children, six of whom grew to mature years. Our subject was carefully and tenderly reared and early manifested a love of learning, and by extensive reading lias informed himself on all subjects of general interest. In his youth, he gained a thor- ough knowledge of the machinist's trade, having mastered the business at the age of nineteen years, but since he has attained his majority, he has fol- lowed other pursuits. He began clerking in a 884 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. mercantile store in 1855 ami two years later, form- ing a partnership with W. II. Clark, one of the pio- neers of the city, he embarked in business as a dealer in dry goods and millinery under the firm name of Clark & Campbell, which connection was continued until July, 1862, when our subject be- came sole proprietor, continuing alone until I860, when W. II. Meldrum was admitted to the busi- ness. After eight months, the style was again changed to C. C. Campbell & Co. and the Store was run under that name until 1 S(>7 when it became known as Davis, Johnston & Co., Mr. Campbell be- ing the silent partner. He continued his connection with the business until 1870, when he retired, and the firm was merged into that of Johnston A: Hurt- on. The store is now the property of David Job 1 ston and is the oldest, and has always been the lead- ing establishment of the kind in Bunker Hill. Mr. Campbell possesss the qualities of ;■ successful merchant, being pleasant and genial in manner, thrifty and enterprising and straightforward and honest in all his dealings. On quitting the store he engaged in the real-estate business for so years but is now practically living a retired life. He has been very successful in all his undertakings, having done business to the amount of $100,000 annually. About 1866, with a number of the lead- ing citizens of Bunker Hill, a public library scheme was put on foot as the result of a suggesti lie part of Mr. Campbell. For the purpose of organ- izing a meeting was called and he was made its secretary. As the result Bunker Hill has now an excellent public library and of the association he has served as trustee and treasurer during almost its entire existence. On the 22nd of October, 1862. in the citj where he makes his home, Mr. Campbell and Miss Henri- etta Williams were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. The lady was born in Covington, Ind., February 11. 1843. and is a daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Luke, Williams, who were born, reared and married in Kentucky, and afterward removed to Indiana, from whence they came with their family to Illinois in 1850, locating in Alton, where the father died the following year. Mrs. Willliams afterward came to Bunker Hill, where she died October 12, 1870, at the age of seventy years, in the faith of the Methodist Church of which she had long been a member. Mrs. Camp- bell received liberal educational advantages, having pursued her studies in the academy of Lower Alton and the Bunker Hill Academy, and is an intelligent, refined and cultured lady who moves in the best circles of society and is held in high esteem. She remained at home until her marriage, which has been graced by three children — Roena Catherine, .1 graduate of Almira College, and wife of R. E. Dorsey, an attorney of Staunton; Charles Edward, a student of Shurtleff College and now connected with the Colorado Packing Co. of Denver, Coi.: and Henrietta Maude who is a graduate of the Con- servatory and literary course of Shurtleff in Upper Alton. Mr. Campbell, his wife and children are members of the Baptist Church, in which he holds the position of Deacon and in the Sunday-school he has served as Superintendent for thirteen years. His life has been a busy and useful one, yet he has found time to devote to public interests, having served as Township Treasurer for some years and as city Councilman for two terms, lie has taken an active part in local political affairs and is a stanch advocate of Republican principles. His business associates speak of Mr. Campbell as an upright and progressive man but we learn of a different phase of his character from the poor and need, who number him among their best friends and his associates in the church know him to be a consistent Christian gentleman. BRA HAM O. KABLE. The owner of (•■/ I the pleasant farm located on section 15, North Otter Township, is he whose name qJ is at the head of this sketch. He is the son of James and Susan (Garver) Kable, of whom a history may be found under the sketch of James Kable. in another part of this Recohi>. Our subject was the second son and fourth child born to his parents and iiis advent into the world was made December 16, 1844, in Ohio. He there grew to manhood, receiving the educational advantages to be acquired in the district schools of the vicinity PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 88S .and in March 1864, came to Macoupin Counts with liis parents. Our subject continued to make his borne under the parental roof, helping his father with the de- velopment of the new farm until he was married, going back to the Buckeye State to get liis hride. Their nuptials were solemnized in Troy, Ohio, Feb- ruary 8. 1866, the lady being Miss Mattie C. Staf- ford, a daughter of George P. and Elizabeth ( rum phrey ) Stafford. They were early settlers in Miami County, Ohio, going there from Pennsylvania and there the decease of the mother took place, August 14, 184(5. when only twenty-six years of age; the father still survives. That union was lilest by the advent of three children of whom Mis. Kable is the youngest. She was bom in Miami County, Ohio, October 18, 1845. Immediately after the marriage of the young people they proceeded to this State and settled in North Otter Township where they have ever since been residents. Our subject has always been en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, his place being de- voted to general farming, although paying a good deal of attention to stock-raising. He is the owner of a line farm comprising between four hundred and five hundred acres. His residence is commo- dious and comfortable. His barns are weatherproof and his granaries and outbuildings capacious. Mr. and Mrs. Kable are the parents of f children whose names are George J., Mary E., Carrie M. and Eva M. Mary E. is now the wife of William Wallace; Carrie M. married William Aide son. Mr. Kable has been the incumbent of various minor offices in the township. He and his wife and their family are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. ENRY BAKER is one of the leading and most successful English-American farmers and stock raisers of Brighton Township. where he owns a very beautiful farm of One hundred and sixty acres, all of which is highly improved, and where he has a beautiful residence that is conspicuous for its completeness of finish and detail. There are also fine barns and outbuild- in--, which have been erected by himself, for this has been his home since I860. He has besides some good land in Bunker Hill Township. Mr. Baker's advent to this county was made in 1856. He lived for one year in Chesterfield Township and three years in W Iburn, and then came into Brighton Township and purchased the place where he now resides. He came from England to this country in 1855. Mr. Baker w.is limn in Somersetshire, England, at South Pothering, May 27. 1889. lie conies of a good English family of pure stork. His father was Joseph Baker, a native of Somersetshire, and our subject's grandparents were natives of the same shire, being farmers, and there spending all their lives. Ilis grandfather (lied when a very old man, upwards of four-score years. Our subject's grandmother was in her maiden days Miss Mary Pittman, a daughter of William Pittman, an Eng- lish farmer, who lived and died in his native shire, lie was a carpenter by trade, and having been four times married outlived all his wives. Mrs. Baker, mother of our subject, survived her husband Joseph Baker, and died a very old lady. Our subject is the youngest of the family born to his parents and one of three to emigrate to this country. His brother John is now in Texas and a sister, who is Mrs. .lob Keirl. lives in Bunker Hill Township. The orginal of our sketch grew up in his native shire, and there received a g I English education, after which he learned the baker's trade and worked at it until he came to this country, being eighteen years of age when he made the momentous decision to leave his home. He left Liverpool on a steamer, and landing at New York City, came thence to Illinois and im- mediately proceeded to Chesterfield Township, Ma- coupin County. In 187;') Mr. Baker returned to his old home in England and there enjoyed a delightful visit of six months' duration with the friends and relatives of his childhood. His marriage took place in Ma- coupin County and his bride was Mrs. Emma Lockyer, nee Barnstable. She was born in Somer- setshire, England, about 1826. Her parents lived and died in their native land, where our subject's 886 PORTRAIT AND IilOGRA PHICAL RECORD. wife was first married to Richard Loekgar, after which they at once came to the United States and located in Woodhurn, this county, and there was born one child, a daughter, who is now Mrs. Will- iam Ileal, of whom a fuller sketch may be found in her biography in another portion of this Rec- ord. Mr. Loekyer died in the prime of life, and some time after the death of her first husband she was united to our subject, and she was to him until death a dutiful and loving wife. Her de- cease occurred at their home in this township Jan- uary 27, 1835. She was wetland favorably known here, and those who knew her the best were as- sured of her nobility of character. Mr. and Mrs. Baker were the parents of one son, William .1. William J. Baker took to wife Miss Minnie Wayman, of this county. They now live in Ches- terfield Township, and are there prominent agri- culturists. Mr. Baker is a prominent member of the Congregational Church of Woodburn, this State, as was his wife during her lifetime. Our subject has lieen one of the Trustees for many years. A Republican in politics, the original of our sketch is not in any sense an office-seeker. — » «-*-» <— HEO. I.. SPANGENBERG. This gentleman is entitled to be called an old resident of 'J Bunker Hill, as he took up \\\> abode here in 1859. For some years he was engaged in mercan- tile pursuits, but in 1866 he established an office for the Milwaukee Mechanics Insurance Company, which he still represents. After some years as a local agent he took the State agency and for fifteen years past his work has extended over the State and into Indiana and Missouri. He acts as adjus- ter of claims for the company- and his continuance in their service is proof of his faithfulness, and his wisdom in regulating matters that come within his province. Mr. Spangenberg traces his descent from highly- respectable German families. His father, Col. An- ton Spangenberger. a native of Hesse-Cassel, was in the employ of the German goverment, hav- ing control of the building of houses and making plans for the same in a large territory. His posi- tion was an important one. and he had a large corps of subordinates. He lived to an advanced age. dying in his native land when eighty five years old. lie was a finely educated man. having received his instruction in the noted town of Jena. His father in turn was a prominent minister of the German Reformed Church, and the name of the Rev. Mr. Spangenberg is recalled by the dwellers of Hesse- Cassel as that of one who did much 'or the people with whom he labored. Anton Spangenberg mar ried Wilhelmina Heuser, a native of the same Duchy as himself and one who possessed the estim- able traits of ancestors of good blood. She died -omc ten years before her husband, when sixty- scven years old. she was a life-long member of the Reformed Church. The parental family consisted of five sons and daughters, and but two died before reaching matu- rity. Six arc still living, all in their native land, ex< ept our subject. Another son, Charles, came to the United States, but died in Milwaukee, Wis., after his marriage. Another brother, George, a promising young man. had just received a Gov- ernment appointment as architect when he was killed by falling from a. sugar refinery he had in process of erection. His death at the earl}- age of twenty -three years, was the most severe blow that ever befell the parents. The father, while actively engaged in the Prussian army, participated in the first French War, from 1812 to 1817, and fought against Napoleon's forces on several hotly contested fields. The subject of this notice was born in Esehwege, llesse-Cassel. Germany, July 1. 1833, and was care- fully reared and highly educated. He took an advanced course of study ir. the University -of Hanover at Goettingen, and after his graduation set out for America. He took passage at Bremer- Haven in March, 1852, and after a voyage of some two months on a sailing vessel, landed in New York City. He went directly to Ohio where he visited an old friend of his father's, who was an ex-minister from Hesse. Thence he came West to Milwaukee, Wis., and after some years made his home in this county. He has traveled quite exten- sively, especially over this State, and is very obser- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. B85 ving of manners and customs wherever be goes. He is an excellent business man. a good citizen and one whose life is upright and character excellent. In the town of Shelby.ville, 111., the marriage of Mr. Spangenberg and Miss Theresa Ilhardl was solemnized. The bride was born in Prussia, Sep- tember 30, 1889, and was about seventeen years old when she came to America. Her parents were Ernest and Fredericks (Meister) Ilhardl, the lat- ter of whom died in the Fatherland. The father, after his emigration, made his home in Milwaukee, Wis., and spent his last years in retirement there. Id his early days he had been a man of prominence where he lived, and lie and his wife were honored members of the Reformed Church. He was eighty- six years old when called hence. His daughter, Mrs. Spangenberg was the recipient of good privi- leges and careful heme training, and is a bright, intelligent lady, refined and agreeable.and possess- ing all the housewifely ability of the race from which she sprang. She has two children — William E., now book-keeper for the Milwaukee Mechanics and German Insurance Companies, in Chicago, and Lulu M., an accomplished young lady, who bright- ens her parents' home. Both were educated in Bunker Hill, and the son completed the academic course. The first Presidential vote cast by Mr. Spangen- berg was for Gen. Fremont, and he has generally thrown his influence with the Republican party. He is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Charter Oak Lodge. No. 258, of Bunker Hill. RANK MERRILL. Among the energetic young citizens of Brighton prominent mention belongs to this gentleman, who is well known as a member of the firm of Cliapin A- Men ill, editors and proprietors of the Brighton News Of Brighton. 111. Mr. Cliapin, the senior member, resides in St. Louis and is district organ- izer of the fraternity of Financial Co-operation. Mr. Merrill as local manager and editor, is largely responsible for the success of the paper, and since his first connection with it, in 1891, he lias made Some valuable iinprox i in. nts and infused new ideas in it. The Brighton News is a five-column folio and having a good circulation, justly ranks among the most prominent local papers of the county. Mr. Merrill is a practical newspaper man and a printer, and while yet a minor has evinced the possession of considerable executive ability and gooil judgment. Prior to coining to this place to enter upon his present enterprise be was employed on The Latest, a Chicago paper published in the interests of the printers' trade. Young and ener- getic, a close observer, quick in formulating plans and prompt in executing I hem, he has a bright fu- ture awaiting him in the field of journalism. His political belief coincides with the principles pro- mulgated by the Democratic party, but his paper is independent. §-*-^ — ENRY ARKEBAUKR, a successful and thrifty German of the village of Mt. Olive and doing business as a dealer in wines and liquors, is located on the corner of Main and Oak Streets, at which place he built up his house and started in business in 1878 and has since remained at this stand. He is a thorough- going business ma id has made of his calling a respectable one of the kind. Our subject has spent most of bis life in this town and vicinity. lb- was born in Alton, III., March 1, 1852. Mr. Arkebauer's parents were born in Hanover, Germany. Mr. Arkebauer, Sr.. was born of Ger- man parents, who lived and died in the Kingdom of Hanover and when be was a young man just of age he set out for the United States, crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, and in 1846 landed in New Orleans. Thence lie went up the Mississippi River to St. Louis and from that point to Alton, where be was married to Miss Anna O. Gusthouse, who was a native of the same province as was her husband. She was the only member of her family who ventured to the United States, coming here in the '40s when quite young. After their marriage our subject's parents moved to Jersey ville, where the mother died in ls. r >->, be- 888 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ing then still quite young, only twenty-two years of age. .She left two children — he of whom we write and a brother J. II., who died in 18;") 1 while still a child. The husband was a second time mar- ried, his choice being Miss Anna C. Shaupff, a German lady who resided in Jersey ville. There she died about a year later, in 1854, while yet a voungwoman. She left one child who is now Mrs. Mary Schutt of Ramsey. 111. Mr. Arkebauer. Si.. died in 1858 at Jersey ville, being then only thirty- two or three years of age. The original of our sketch when six years of age having lost his mother and step-mother was brought to Mt. Olive Township, this county, and reared by kinsmen until he was fourteen years of age, when he set out on his own account and since that lime has made his own livelihood. He was mar- ried in Montgomery County t" Miss Minnie MiliVi, who was born in Madison County, but was reared for the most part in Montgomery County, win-re her parents now live and are engaged as fanners, being now aged respectively sixty-eight and fifty • four years. They were formerly members of the Lutheran Church but are now communicants of the Baptist faith. Our subject and his wife attend the Lutheran Church and are prominent young people who stand well in society at this place. Mr. Arkebauer is an active member of the Republican party. Our subject and his wife are the parents of two children — George B. and Annie G. fkA ASHACK CROUCH. The calling of a /// IV f" 1 ' 111 '' 1 ' has been considered honorable from I Hi the earliest da>s, and it was perhaps a mit- ^ igation of the punishment by which our first parents were ejected from the garden that the tilling of the soil and the making of the land pro- ductive should be theirs, for surely there is no way of coming nearer to the great Creator than m watching the development of the e-mail as well as the great things in Nature. A blade of wheat unfolding under the summer sun is a promise of the goodness and greatness of the Father. It is indeed a divine trust and he who discharges the trust faithfully and well is as great as he who gov- erns nations. Our subject is one of the favored class, being the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of fine farm land on sections 23, 26 and 27. South Otter Township, which tract he has devel- oped until it is in a high state of cultivation. Our subject is a native of East Tennessee where he was born November 5, 1833. There he re- mained until he had attained to years of manhood. In 1850 he felt that a change of location would be beneficial in a pecuniary way, and came to Macou- pin County, where he has ever since resided with I In- exception of four years passed in Fayette and Macon Counties. As a lad our subject was reared on a farm and brought up with more perfect knowledge of this pursuit than of any other. Nat- urally bright and intelligent he was quick to see what Nature made advantage of, and therein lies the secret of his success. Since coining to this State Mr. Crouch has bought and sold several different tracts of lair'. These he has successively improved and disposed of, and his present line farm which is the site of a good residence and outbuildings in the best of con- ditions, is one of the most desirable in the town- ship. Before coming to this State Mr. Crouch was united in marriage with Malinda Rice, by whom he had one child, a son, named James H. who married Miss Martha Moore. Mr. Crouch's wife, Malinda, died in Macoupin County, and he has a second time united to a lady whose name was Lucretia J. Hart. By her he had five sons and four daugh- ters. T,heir names are respectively: William N., Rebecca. Miry, John M., Albert M., Millard, Sarah M., Minda, Mnshack. The eldest son was earl-,- married to a lady whose maiden name was Alice New. Rebecca became the wife of William Conley; Mary is the wife of Edward Clarady; John and Albert M. married respectively; Jane Lacock, and Jane Layer. Millard took to wife Lena Wiz- zard; Sarah M.. is the wife of A. Butler; Minda was united in marriage to Henry Campbell. Mrs. Lucretia J. Crouch passed away from this life in South Otter Township. January 13, 1875. Mr. Crouch again contracted himself in marriage this time to Winnie Clarady who died in South Otter Township, after but a short time of marital PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 889 experience. The gentleman's present wife was Mrs. Margaret (Shipp) Jeter, formerly wife of George Jeter, by whom she was the mother of two children, Noah, who died when six and one half years old and Ella. Mr. Crouch is an adherent of the Democratic party, favoring its platform of free trade as he con- siders that most favorable to the agricultural fra- ternity. Under his party he lias filled offices of High way Commissioner and School Director very satis- factorily to his constituents. Socially, he is a mem- ber of lh< Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. Mrs. Crouch is a member in good standing of the Christian Church. The father of our subject was William Crouch who was born in North Carolina and was married in Tennessee, his wife's maiden name being Re- becca Tipton. She was the mother of our subject. Both parents passed away in Tennessee. They had twelve children of whom our subject was one of the junior members of the family. Our subject's paternal grandfather was Solomon Crouch, who also died in East Tennessee. The home of Ihe gentleman of whom we write is characterized by the geniality and hospitality that are always un- derstood to be inherent traits of Southern charac- ter. He is popular with his townsmen and is a useful and an interested member in the community. -I— (fS^- • ' AMES W. GIBSON. There is probably no family in Virden Township more thoroughly in sympathy with the most progressive I movements of the day. both social, religious and educational than that which is represented by the name which appears at the head of this sketch. For the early history of the family the reader is referred to the biography of C. C. Gibson, of Girard Township which is to be found on another page of this Record. Our subject, who is the eldest son of his father's family was born in Morgan County, 111., January 9, 1847, and was about eighteen years old when his parents removed to Macoupin County. He re- mained under the pallidal roof until the date of his marriage and has continued to make his home in this county. Agriculture has evei been his life work and upon his father's farm when he was a boj lie received thai careful drill which has given to him the success which is now his. lb received such educational advantages as bis parents could give him and made such abundant use of them as to fit him for an intelligent manhood and a life of usefulness. The happy marriage daj of James Gibson and Alary M. Wright, was February 27, 1868 and this union was solemnized in Virden Township at the home of tin' bride's parents, Preston and Susan (Dawson) Wright. 'Ihe lather of Preston Wright was Allen Wright, who was born November 26, 1789, probably in Hart County, Ivy., and died De- cember 17. 1855, in the same county. He took an active part in religious work and was an earnest and consecrated member of the Methodist Church. His wife, who bore the name of Hannah Peebles and was also a native id' Kentucky, was born July 30, 1793. and died in Hart County. Ky.. September 12, 1854, having been the mother of a large family. She was a woman earnestly devoted to her relig- ious work and a consistent member of the Metho- dist Church. The father of Susan Dawson (the mother of Mrs. Gibson) was Thomas T. Dawson, a native of Bed- ford County. Va., where he was born February 19, 1792. He was Ihe son of a native of Normandy. France, who died in Virginia. Thomas Dawson was a man of wealth and his last days ended in Hail County. Ky., Decembei 8, 1879. The mother of Susan Dawson bore the maiden name of Nancy Fitzhugb, ami her natal day was August I. 1791. She pas-ed from earth in Halt County. Ky.. June ■>:>, 1883. Mrs. Gibson is thus honorably connected with a number of the i t highlj respected and in- telligent families of Kentucky in the early days and it is not too much s:i\ that in her own life and eon- duct she abundantly fulllils the record which might be expected of one who is 30 descended. Her par- rents were married in Kentucky and removed from that State 10 this in the fall of 1849, making their home in Virden Township, where the mother died. Tlie father long survived but finally passed away 890 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. June 29, 1888. He was a prominent man in every circle and for many years acted as School Director most efficiently and advantageously. The German Baptist Brethren Church is the re- ligious bod) with which this couple have been long united and for a number of years -Mrs. Gibson has been largely connected with church work in the direction of the development and religious training of the little folks. Her truly maternal heart has found in this work what she loves best and the sphere of activity in which she can do the most good and ii is indeed a blessing to the community that one so wise and judicious should be bending her energies to the best method of developing the religious life of the children of the church that they may grow into systematic and beautiful Chris- tian lives. This family occupies the old homestead of the late Preston Wright, comprising some one hundred acres of finely improved land. Upon it is a beau- tiful residence that is delightfully surrounded and within the walle may be found a harmonious home and the abode of true hospitality. This public- spirited man has ever taken a great interest in all matters of public note. In this connection we give more fully the ances- tral history of Mrs. Gibson. John Wright, her great grandfather, was born in 1760 anrl died in 1839, at the age of seventy-nine. His wife, Phebe. was born in 1754. and passed from earth in 1826 at the age of seventy-two. Their family comprised eight children — Vincent. Allen, Carter, John, Nicy. Elizabeth, Sarah and Anice. The second son, Allen, was born November 20. lT.s'.h and died De- cember 17, 1855. He married a lady whose maiden name was Hannah Peebles, and who emigrated from South Carolina to Hart County. Ky. she was born July 30, 1793, and closed her eyes on the scenes of earth September 12,1854. Eleven chii- came to bless their home, viz: John, born October 21, 1811 ; Elizabeth, July 15. 1813; Sallie, August 9, 1815 ; Carter, June 9, 1M7: Lewis. December 14, 1819; Preston, June 8, 1822; Blalchley. Au- gust 31, 1824; Phebe, March 2, 1827; William, De- cember 29, 1829; Robert, February 26, 1832, and David, April 29, 1835. Mrs. Gibson's great-grandfathers Wright and Lee, served in the Revolutionary War, and the former with his son owned mills and operated as a farmer. Great-grandfather Peebles and his wife reared a family of children whose names were: Abram, Jessie, Bird, John, Mary, Hannah and Betsy. Preston Wright, the fourth son of Allen and Hannah Wright, was born in Hart County, Ky.. June 8, 1822, and died January 31. 1888, aged sixty-five years, seven months and twenty-two days. A man of honest principles, he was liberal to the poor and kind to all His wife, Susan, was born in Hart County, Ky., May 3, 1822, near Mun- fordsville, in a two-story brick residence along the pike road leading from Louisville to Munfords- ville. She was a noble woman, with fine brain power, somewhat poetical, generous, kind-hearted, devoted to her husband and children, religious, temperate in all things, and naturally was highly esteemed by all who knew her. Her death occurred October 3, 1865, and was very sudden, with but a few moments warning to husband and children. Going back four generations in the Dawson fam- ily we find it originated in Normandy, a province of France; Mrs. Gibson's great-great-grandfather, Dawson was with William the Conqueror when he subdued England, and held high office in his army, for « huh bis skill and bravery especially fitted him. lie possessed commanding talents, and was a Prot- estant. At an early day he settled in Bedford County. Va., and laid the first plank Boor in Win- chester, Ya. His occupation was that of a gun- smith, carpenter and warrior Great grandfather Dawson was born in Bedford County, Va., and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War under Gen. Green. He was a Methodist in religion and lived to a good old age. He possessed a superb phy- sique, being over six feet tall and a well propor- tioned man. Late in life he removed to Kentucky. His wife bore the maiden name of Nancy Dollard, was of Scotch-Welsh descent and also attained to great age. Her temperament was poetic and her intellectual abilities of a superior order. Their eight children were named — John, Susan, Thomas. Nancy, Elizabeth, Malinda, Ransom and Boicy Ann. All were Methodists. Thomas Dawson, the grandfather of Mary M. Gibson, was a native of Bedford County, Va., and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 801 was boni in 1704. He accompanied bis father to Kentucky and married Nancy Fitzhugh. Totbem ten children were born : Elizabeth, born in 1812; Robert. l814;Nancy, 1816; Mary, 1818; Jeremiah, 1820; Susan, (Mrs. Gibson's mother) 1822; Mar- tha, 1824 ; Peter, a physician. 1826; Malinda, Thomas. I8S0. The mother of these cliildren was horn in Unit County. Ky., and her father. I Fitzhugh, served in Hie Revolutionary War under Gen. Green. Peter F'itzhugh's family comprised the following children: John, Gabriel, George, Robert, Saul. Patsey. Mary ami Nancy. The Fitz- liugh family was English by descent, a noble race. heroic and honorable, and several members were officers in the Mexican War and also served in the late rebellion. The ceremony which uni'ed the destinies of Pros- ton Wright and Susan Dawson was performed De- cember 14,1841. and thirteen children were horn onto them: Nancy .lane, born October 26, 1842; David Allen. January 2. 1844; Sarah Frances. No- vember 16, 1846; Carter E.. May 31, 1848; .Mary Margaret, April 10, 1850; an infant unnimed, July 6, 1851: Malinda Darinda, July 26, 1852; Pliebe C, April 5. 1854: Thomas r.eii ton. April 16, 1856; Almira Reed, June, 1858; a child unnamed, November 20, 1859; Arahello, November 16, I860; Carrie A., February 10. 1805. The parents re- moved from Hart County. Kv.. to .Macoupin County. 111., in the fall of 1849, accompanied by their four children. The fourth child. Carter C. died the day they arrived with friends and rela- tives at Chesterfield. After visiting there a short time they came twenty or thirty miles thwest and settled upon the lint prairie land. Preston Wright and his brother purchased farms of one hundred and sixty acres each at *:i per acre and built log houses within a quarter of a mile of each other. At that time deer, wild turkeys and poisonous reptiles were in abundance, ami Preston Wrighl broke many acres of the prairie land in and annuel where Virden now stands. The nearest market was Alton; hogs brought from two to three cents per pound, and wheat from seventy five to eighty-five cents per bushel. The parents endured all the hardships incidents to frontier life and the present generation is now enjoying the rich blessings of the labor Of their hands. Five cliildren Mirvivc — Nancy Jane. Sarah Frances, Man M.. Malinda D.. and Thomas B. The four daughters arc fanners' wives, 'l'h as li. is a Methodist minister, and prior to beginning his ministry was a school teacher receiving the highest salaries for country schools, $80 and $85 per mouth. He :s a good exhortcr, a splendid singer- ami a » is • counselor among his Sock. From generation to generation the mem- bers of the Wrighl family have licen good singers and zealous working Christians of hones' princi- ples. The lady who became the wife of our subject was born April In. 1850, and was united in mar- riage with James W. Gibson February 27. 1868. This being 1891 is the twenty-third year of their wedded life and during the past ten years they have resided at tin- borne of Mrs. Gibson's child- li I days, which is as lovely a spot as the cms of our human nature ma\ behold. Seven children have been horn to bios this happy union, viz: ie I!., horn January 5. 1869; Laura I-;.. April 1. 1872: William E., November 27. 1873; Preston C, September 25. 1875; David C. September 20. L878; Lemuel F.. December 7. 1880, and Eva Lena, September 29, 1884. Laura E. died at the age of ten months. Carrie, the eldest child, com- menced teaching school at the age of nineteen and i> now. at twenty-two, holding a first-grade certifi- cate with the honor of getting tlie highest grade of any one in the county. Mrs. Gibson has made it the object of her life to work for Christ and Him crucified, striving to honor Him in word or i\vl-:\. it was always her longing that Christ would give her a life-work for His >ake. and this lie did when she was thirty-sis year- old. In working in the Childrens' Mission in behalf of the German Baptist faith, in writing for the press, addressing the children, collecting pennies for the spread of the Gospel in its primi- tive purity and simplicity, her time is fully occu- pied and she may let I she is doing something in His name and for His glory. It is her prayer that the g 1 work may go on and be kept sacred after all that is mortal of her shall be laid away in the silent earth. It has been her delight and her hiis- \ 892 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. hand's also to take into their home orphan children and rear thcra in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, together with their own children, all of whom accepted the cross of Christ in their youth- ful days. EV. A. ZURBONSEN is the spiritual direc- tor placed over the St. Michael's Catholic ■^ \\\ Church of Staunton, Macoupin County, ^ and has held the pastorate since January 12, 1888. The church has a following of about one hundred heads of families and is strong in every way, the parish being well looked after by its able young pastor. Both church and parsonage are first- class structures, perfect in all their appointments, the former containing some fine works of nit, wlii se subjects are of course taken from the Scriptures. The buildings were erected in l.sdT. under the di- rection of Father O'Hellenran, who founded the church and laid the corner stone, but the edifice was completed by his successor and has been in good running order ever since, although our sub- ject is the first resident priest stationed in the place, and the beautiful parsonage has been erected under his direction, as has also the parochial school known as St. Michael's School. This last named institu- tion has an enrolled membership of one hundred pupils in daily attendance. Father Zurbronsen, since coming heie, has estab- lished a new parish at Mt. Olive known as the Church of the Assumption, which was dedicated January 1, 1891, with a charter membership of sixty-five families. The pastor has not spared him- self as a worker since coming here, having followed the precepts set by the Master. Although yet a young man our subject has entered his work with such a love and desire to accomplish much that he has lived a long life as accounted by the amount he has accomplished. The property over which he has an ecclesiastic jurisdiction is now entirely free from debt and this is due to the efforts of him of whom we write. Prior to coming here the original of our sketch was stationed at Grand Fork. Madison County, 111., where he had charge of the St. Gertrude Church and also of the school of the same name and this was the first parish of which he took charge, hav- ing taken orders in 1885 under the late Arch- Bishop Ileiss of Milwaukee after which he was at once assigned to the parish of Grand Fork, 111. Father Zurbronsen is a graduate in the classical course in the seminary at Metropolis, 111., finishing with the Class of '80. Me later made a speciality of the study of philosophy at Montreal, Canada, and graduated in that branch in 1882. Later he entered the St. Francis Seminary at Milwaukee and com- pleted his theological course in 1885, soon after taking orders and was licensed to preach the same year, as before stated. Our subject was reared and educated in this country, having come hither when a small child from Germany. The reverend gentleman is a skilled linguist, being master of French, German and English. He comes of good parentage and has been well reared and carefully educated. He is a broad-minded man to whom thedogmas of religion must appear broad before he can accept them, lie is a genial, well-bred young man of more than ordinary ability as a church- worker. pY.-EV. Z. WATERS. Few citizens of Ma- py coupin County were for a longer time or 1 \ more closely connected with its growth, \£) both in a material and spiritual direction, than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch and who was formerly a resident of Bird Township. He was born in Casey County. Ky., .January 7, 1805, and there grew to a stalwart man- hood. When ready to establish a home of his own, he chose as his wife Miss Elizabeth Canaday, with whom be was united in marriage March 25. 1824. Mrs. Waters was born in Casey Count}', Ky., May '.», 1806 and passed her maidenhood amid the pio- neer surroundings of the Blue Grass State. In 1825 Mr. Waters, accompanied by his wife, emigrated to Morgan County, 111., where he re- sided until the fall of 1847. That date marked his arrival in this county and his settlement in Bird PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. Township, where he continued to live until called hence. Six children came to bless his home, four sons and two daughters. In July, 1828, he he- came connected with the Union Baptist Church In Morgan County and in May, 1840, he was or- dained to the ministry. In this work, which was very dear to him, he continued until a few months prior to his death. He was instrumental in the or- ganization of the Charity Baptist Church in Bird Township, as well as in the building of the house of worship located on section 14. Though passed from the earthly scenes long familiar to him, he has left behind him a memory which is revered by those who are enjoying the fruits of his labors. 893 ^S \f?OHN C. NIEMAN. Few residents of Ma- coupin County have done more for its in- terests or been more closely connected with its growth than Mr. Nieman. As a general farmer and stock raiser he has been very successful and now in the evening of his days, has retired from the active labors which formerly occupied his time and is enjoying the accumulations of past years. His history will justly live through com- ing years and his good work will be felt by future generations. His home lies within the limits of the thriving German town of Mt. Olive, where he is quietly passing his declining days surrounded by a host of genial friends. His has been a well spent life and those who know him best love him most. With pride may he speak of his efforts here and his success, which is due entirely to his unaided exertions. Since coming to Macoupin County Mr. Nieman has always resided in the village of Mi. ((live and has aided to make it one of the best towns in the county. He came here a poor man and endured hardships and vicissitudes common to old settlers, being one of the first settlers in this section and also the first German settler for miles around. At an early day he made his first wagon and in this, drawn by oxen, he journeyed to St. Louis with a few bushels of grain. The grain was made into meal of a coarse kind and then sifted through :i poor sieve before it was made into coarse bread, the chief article of diet for the pioneers. Mr. Nieman is fond of telling how the neighbors la- bored together for their mutual good and how they would all meet in a log house to listen to the ex- liortations of the minister, who in bis shirt sleeves with bare -and sun-burnt arms would proclaim to them the Gospel. A mere trail marked the roads across the prairie, which was inhabited by wild animals. Since Mr. Nieman came to Ml. Olive he has occupied the farm which he entered from the Government. He now owns large landed estates in this county and in Kmmet County. Iowa, owning in the latter place nearly fourteen hundred acres. He built the first store in the village of Mt. Olive and was engaged in different enterprises there for many years. He belonged to the company that opened large coal mines in this place, now under the control of the Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis. Mr. Nieman was born inBorghoIzhausen, Ravens- burg Halle, Prussia, April 12,1817. Mis father, Casper Nieman. was a German farmer of good standing, who lived and died in his native land. His mother was a good German lady, and with her husband a member of the Lutheran Church. Be- tween the ages of seven and fourteen our subject attended the public schools and afterward worked upon a farm. I'pon arriving at manhood he de- cided to come to America and accordingly took passage at Bremen and after a voyage of seven weeks landed in Baltimore May 13. 1839. His capital consisted of $3.80, and after a few days in Baltimore he left on foot over the turnpike for Cumberland, Md. The canal along the Potomac was then being built and he worked for half a year upon it, receiving $1.25 per day. Later Mr. Nieman went to Hermann, Mo., to join some German people of his native Province, but not being satisfied with the country he returned to Louisville. Ky. After working on a farm near that place for nearly two months without receiving any compensation he was taken seriously ill and remained so for five months. Without money or anyone in particular to care for him his situation was distressing, but he finally recovered and en- gaged to work upon the farm of William Kd wards, 894 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. near Louisville. With that gentleman he came to Illinois in 1841, working for him on a farm near Carlinville for three years. In the meantime he saved 1250 with which lie opened up a new farm in what is now Ml. Olive. From that small be- ginning he has attained to his present competency and furnishes an excellent example to those just starting out in life of what may be accomplished by perseverance. Politically Mr. Nieman is a Republican and dur- ing the time of the Civil War gave material assist- ance to the suppression of the Rebellion, lie is a pillar in the Lutheran Church in Ml. Olive, which he has supported very generously ever since its organization. His lirst wife, Margaret Stulken, with whom he was united in marriage in IS 17. was a native of Germany and died in September, 1854. His second marriage was to Miss Anna Siulken. n sister of his first wife, who was also born in Olden burg, Germany, and there reared to womanhood. She is a true and devoted wife and mother, a kind friend, and enjoys the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. Thechildren horn of the first, mar- riage are: Mary O, wife of C. J. Reiser, of whom see biography on another page; Sophia, wife of William Niemeyer, represented elsewhere in this volume; Henry, who died at the age of twentj'-flve in 1876, was a promising young man. Of the second union the following children have been born: Matilda, Lydia, Louisa, Edward, William and Anna. f^AVID W. RHOADS. The man who fur- Jl) nishes good flour is supplying a need that is y^ universal ami is thus discharging one of the primal duties — that of aiding his fellow-men to promote physical well being. All must agree that there are none of the manufactures more important than that of converting grain into flour and that a good miller is entitled to the respect of his fellow- men. It is therefore plain to he seen that the gen- tleman above-named must fill a reputable place on the roll of residents of Palmyra, ss lie has been en- gaged in milling there for several years past and previously carried on a similar occupation else- where. Mr. Rhoads was born in DeKalb County, Mo., November 19, 1857. His grandfather, David Rhoads, was for some years a resident in Kentucky and removed from that State to Illinois and was one of the first, settlers in the vicinity of Medora. this coun'y. After living there a few years he went to Missouri and bought a tract of land on which he made the customary improvements. After residing thereon some years he returned to this Stale in 1864 and settled upon a farm in Jersey County, four miles east of Kane. There he spent the remnant of his days. His son, John V., father of our subject, was married in Jersey County and subsequently re- moved to DeKalb County, Mo., where he occupied a rented farm until 1864. He then returned to Jevsej County, this Slate, and on a rented farm carried on agricultural work until the following year, wdien he was called hence. His wife, Sarah M. Tatman, a native of McDonough County and daughter of Hiram Tatman, was left with three children. About 1868 she married John Costley, a resident of Greene County, and made that her home about two years. She and her husband then removed to Jersey County where Mr. Costley died, and she subsequently came to Palmyra, where she still mikes her home. The children of her first marriage are David W., Mordecai and Branic, and of her second marriage, Mary M., John W., Jacob K., Emma J. and Lucy B. The subject of this notice was in his eighth year when he came to Illinois with his parents. Even in boyhood he assisted on the farm and when he left his mother's roof he worked at similar la- bors. He was nine years old when be went to live with Callow A. Farrow, a farmer of Jersey County, with whom he remained a year, and he then spent two years with Charles Black of Shipman Town- ship, this county. From that time until 1874 he was engaged by the day and month for various parties and he then began working in a flourmill in Greene County. He continued his work there three years, becoming thoroughly conversant with the trade, and he then went to Medora and found employment in a mill owned by J. J. Ilaycraft. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. In 1881 lie left that establishment ami became a miller in Alsey, Scott County, where he operated a mill four years. Returning to Medora, he rented a plant for a year, then in May. 1887, bought the Palmyra flourmill. A year later be sold a half interest to Frank Watson and the linn became D. W. Rhoads & Co. In 1890 Mr. Watson sold his interest to John II. Hansbaw, but the firm name remains Hie same as before. In 1882 in the month of August Mr. Rhoads was married to Miss Ella V. Haycraft, daughter of lames J. and Matilda Haycraft of Jersey County. She was born in the village of Fidelity, received the usual advantages which are open to those of the present generation, and was also the recipient of careful home training and guidance. She is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads have one son, Wilher W.. a bright, active little lad, whose increasing knowledge is a continual delight to his parents. Mr. Rhoads belongs to Palmyra Lodge, No. 403, F. & A. M., and Palmyra Camp. No. 149. M. W. A. In exer- cising the right of suffrage he joins with the Dem- ocratic party, believing that the principles they advocate are the soundest and most applicable to the National needs. UILLIAM II. CHAMBERLAIN. Within the bounds of Bunker Hill Township may Wyi be found the homes of many successful farmers, but none more deserving of notice than Mr. Chamberlain. He is located on section 11, where he owns one hundred and seventy acres of highly improved and productive land. He has a full supply of farm buildings anil .. beautiful large residence of modern design. The residence takes the place of one which, with its contents was de- stroyed by fire in September, 1887, entailing s heavy loss upon the owner. Mr. Chamberlain has his farm well stocked, chiefly with milch cows, from which he sends milk to the St. Louis markets. 8. A. Chamberlain, father of our subject, was born in Massachusetts and was of English descent. After growing to manhood he carried on an inn for years. In 1830, with his wife and two chil- dren, he removed to this State and made his Brat pause in Alton. Soon afterward he began to farm on a pre-emption claim in Godfrey Township, Madison County, and secured other land until he became the owner of a tract. He lived to gee lu- home well improved and died in 1862 at the age of fifty -six years. l|,. was a successful farmer and a good citizen. He was married in his native State t" Betsej Nutter, whose parents were born in this country but whose remoter ancestors were English. She survived him and after his decease lived with her children, finally dying at the home of her son William II., August 16, 1*72, when seventy-three years old. Husband and wife be- longed to the Unitarian Church and Mr. Chamber- lain was first a Whig and then a Republican in politics. The gentleman whose name introduces these par- agraphs was born in Alton in 1835 and is the sec- ond member of the family who was born in this Slate. He has one brother, S. A. Chamberlain, now of Southern Missouri, living. His boy- hood and youth were passed in his native county and he was educated at Shurtlcff College in Upper Alton. After his marriage he established his home in the same county, whence he came hither in the fall of 18G6. He has put the property in tine con- dition and year by year secures the reward of bis industry. The wife of Mr. Chamberlain was known in her maidenhood as Miss Wilminia J. Dickerson. she was born in Fredericks. Del.. February 17, 1812, and ace pauied her parents. Deacon Nehc- tniah and Amelia (Hudson) Dickerson, to this Stale in 1844. I hey traveled with other families across the country, camping out where night over- took them, and alter a journey of six weeks reached Alton. They secured improved land in Godfrey Township, Madison County, and made a comfortable home, remaing there until early in the '70s, when they sold out and removed to Brighton, 111. Mr. Dickerson is now seventy-nine and his wife seventy-seven years of age. The husband was formerly a Whig and is now a Republican. Roth have been lifelong members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. 396 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain have two children — Bradley and Laura. The son was educated at Hun- ker Hill Academy and is a smart, enterprising young niM). He is giving his father valuable aid in carrying on the farm. Laura was also edu- cated in the Bunker Hill Academy and has made a specialty of music and is teaching both vocal and instrumental. She still makes her home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain belong to the Metho- dist Episcopal Church in which he has been Trus- tee and Steward. Both are advocates of Prohibi- tion and the husband votes with that party. He is a hearty supporter of and stockholder in the Bunker Hill Advocate the only rrohihition paper published in the county, lie would naturally be interested in matters pertaining to farm lite and the progress of agriculturists, and he is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benevolent Association. * T^lLISHA SMITH. The gentleman who resides S on the fine farm located on section 25. Lff North Otter Township, is a son of Moses Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania. His mother was Pamelia Aiken in her maiden days, and a na- tive of North Carolina. Our subject's parents came to Macoupin County from Tennessee in 183.5, and settled in North Otter Township where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of seven children, there being four sons and three daughters, of whom our subject was third in the order of birth, his native place being Murray, Tenn., and his birthday March 29, 1H17. Our subject came to Macoupin County with his father in 1835, and was married in North Otter Township, July 20, 1837, to Bliss Susan A. Eavs, n daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Clark) Eavs, the former a native of North Carolina and the lat- ter of Pennsylvania. They came from Kentucky to Madison County, 111., where the mother of the family died, and in 1834 the father came to Macou- pin County and settled in North Otter Township, which he made his home until his death, which oc- curred while on a visit to his brother in Madison County, this State. They had three sons and three daughters, and ol these Mrs. Smith is the third child in order of birth, having been born in Madi- son County, this State, January 29, 1816. Elisha Smith and his wife settled on section 25, North Otter Township, where they have ever since been residents. Our subject has always followed the calling of agriculture. He has erected a good class of buildings upon his farm which comprises one hundred and thirty-one acres. Of fifteen children born to our subject and his wife, four died in in- fancy, eleven living to be grown whose names are as follows: Elizabeth. Mary, Laura, William 1>., George W., Fanny, Thomas M., Ella, Mattie M., Allie and Magnolia. The eldest daughter is the wife of Joel Horn; Mary married John A. Wollen; Laura died when twenty years of age; William B. was a soldier in the Rebellion, being a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois In- fantry. He died from disease contracted in the army at the age of about twenty years. George W. is a farmer in North Otter Township: Fanny is the wife of Joseph Coy; Thomas is a farmer in North Otrer Township: Ella married Jacob Bo>versox; Mattie is the wife of Leander Ames; Allie married the late John W. Ross and died at the age of twenty-nine years. Magnolia is the wile of John Coots. Mr. Smith has always taken an active part in political affairs. He is a Republican in party preference. Both he and his wife have been mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a long term of years. ENOC ject ical NOCH HALL. The genealogy of our sub- jects family may be traced in the biogruph- d sketch of Samuel Hall, our subject's father, which is given in another portion of this Record. He of whom we write is the second in order of birth of a family of nine children. He was born in Madison County, III., July 12, 1818, and was an infant of only four months of age when his parenls removed to Greene County, same State. There he grew to manhood on his father's farm, remaining under the parental roof until about PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RE< ORD. twenty-one years of age, when be loft home and engaged in farming for himself in Greene Comity, having purchased one hnndred and twenty a< res of land. Peeling that a helpmate and companion would be more than all else to him, our subject was married November 18, 1.S40. in Greene County, III., his bride being Miss Louisa Stone, who was a native of Tennessee, and whose nat.nl day was July 9, 1818. They continued to live in Greene County until the fall of 1857, when our subject with his family removed to Macoupin County, and settled on section 13, North Otter Township, where he lias since been a resident. He there procured one hun- dred and sixty acres of land which he improved and upon which he erected comfortable and attract- ive buildings. Mrs. Louisa Hall was taken from her family by death November 29, 1879, and was laid away with great tenderness in God's acre. Our subjei always engaged in farming and its attendant agri- cultural pursuits. He has held the office of Super . visor of North Otter Township for eight years, and lias been Collector of the township for two years, and Township Assessor for one year. ( >nr subject formerly took an active part in :11 local affairs and is a member of the Democratic party. He united with the Missionary Baptist Church in Greene County, in 1841, but seventeen years later severed his connection with that body and united with the Predestinarian Baptists in 18t>7 with which body he still worships. He is a man who has contributed liberally to the support of the Gos pel, especially during his early years of membership with the church. He has taken a great interest in school affairs and has held various school offices. • >»£ v^!^.£^£<^:- « Ijfc \V. WILLIAMSON is the Secretary of \/\//l tll( ' Staunton Milling Company, which was ^f organized April 29, 1889, at which time our subject was elected to the position he now holds. Mr. .1. C. Panhorst is President, Mr. Ahrens Vice-president, and William II. Wall Treasurer. The mill has a capacity of two hun- dred barrels per day, and has fourteen pair of rolls for wheat ami four pair for corn. The in- stitution i- a vi i\ substantially built place that is well equipped with all modern improvements in milling machinery. It was completed in December, 1889, and began active operation January 27, 1890, since which time it has been running suc- cessfully and doing a large business, principally for local trade. The miller in charge is Mr. W. K. Simson, whose reputation is well-known in local mids in this part of the country. Our subject was formerly engaged in Staunton as a hardware merchant tor some time and was also doing a busi- ness as coal merchant. The original of our sketch has been a resident of this city and vicinity since 18t>2. and was reared and educated on the borders of Staunton. He was born in St. Louis. .Mo., in 1852, and is a son of Daniel Williamson, who was born in ( 'ouiity I >o; legal. Ireland, and came of Scotch-Irish ancestry, lie emigrated to the United states in is 11. and settled in St. Louis. Mo., where he was engaged in business tot some time, afterward coin- ing to Staunton Township. Ma' on pin County, where he married his wife. Our subject's mother was before her marriage a Miss Matilda Patterson, n native of County Derry, Ireland, being a young lady when she came to the United States and settled in Staunton, living there until her marriage. After marriage Mr. and .Mrs. Williamson lived in St. Louis, Mo., until 1862. when they came to Macoupin County and settled on a farm, where they lived until the death of our subject's father, which occurred in 1875; lie was then about Bfty -eight years of age. His wife yet survives and makes her home in Staunton; she is now about sixty years of age and yet bright and active. She and her husband have been life- long members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Our subject i> the eldest of his parents' children now living. On reaching manhood he soon after married in Sedalia. Mo.. Miss Esther ('ousley. who was born in Alton, this State. She was reared and educated in Alton anil there lived until aboui two yi ars previous to her marriage, when her parents, .lames and Ella (McNeil) Cousley, removed to 898 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Sedalia, where they now live. Mrs. Williamson, the wife of our subject, was well educated in the city of her birth, finishing- al a well-known female seminary. She was afterward a teacher for some time. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a most estimable and refined lady. Our subject is a member of the Reformed Presby- terian Church. Politically Mr. Williamson is a follower of the Republican party. Socially be is one of the leaders of life in Staunton. He has a bright prospect before him, and will doubtless realize his friends' expectation of him. P. RINKEL, M. I). The gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch is of I >;i n- ish ancestry, the country of the people that NS^f arc better known to the majority through Shakespeare's decking of Holinsheds chronicles than even by the works of art with which tin' ( apital City is now enriched by the sculptor Thorswalden. The original spelling of the name of our subject was Rinckel, but after the American fashion, un- necessary letters were in time dropped. The orig- inal of our sketch is one of the leading physicians of Brighton, having come to this place in 1883 and since that time he has built up a large and lucrative practice in the city and a reputation of being a most skillful practioner. Prior to locating in Brighton Dr. Kinkel was in Buda, this State, for two years, having pr< viously graduated with the Class of '83, taking his di- ploma at the St. Louis Medical College March :;, of that year. He left the institution with a line record as a student. Prior to beginning the study of medicine he was a teacher in the public schools of St. Clair County and was a student at the Cen- tral Wcsleyan College at Warrenton, Mo., from which he graduated when nineteen years of age. receiving his diploma for proficiency in tin' class ical course. He graduated with the Class of '75, after which he was engaged in teaching until 1878, when he entered upon the study of medicine. Our subject had received the rudiments of his education in the public schools of the city of St. Louis and in St. Clair County. III., in which he was a resident from 1865 to 1875, and while there was a student under Dr. Ilugit, of Summerfield, a prominent local physician and politician. He of whom we write was born near St. Louis, Sep- tember 26, 1855. His parents were of German birth, his father, Jacob Kinkel. being a native of Baden, Germany, and only thirteen years of age when with his parents he emigrated to the United States, coining herein 1837 from Havre de Grace and landing after a voyage of several weeks in the port at New Oilcans. The family came from that point up the Mississippi River and found p home in St. Louis, and there the mother of Jacob Rinkel died of cholera during the epidemic in the latter pail of the '40s, she being then in middle age. Her husband later came to Warsaw, III., and there died when past seventy years of age. Our subject's parents were, while in the Father- land, members of the German Evangelical Church hut after coining to 'his country were communi- cants of the German Methodist Episcopal Church and died in that faith. On reaching manhood our subject's father met, and married a lad}' who was then residing in St. Louis, although of German birth. Her maiden name was Flora Grison; she was born in Bavaria, Germany, but came of French Huguenot stock. Her mother died in Bavaria a.nl after some years the father came to the Fnited Slates with his two SODS in order to join his daughter. While on the sea the father sickened and died and was buried at sea. After Joseph Kinkel and wife were married they lived for a time in St. Louis and then moved to St. Clair County, 111., but afterward returned to St. Louis and arc now retired from active life. Mr. Rinkel had been a successful mechanic, his trade being that of a cooper, and for many years he was Superintendent of shops keeping this position until ten years ago, at which time he retired from business, and although he and his wife are becoming advanced in years they still preserve perfect strength of mind and body. In their church relations they have for many years been identified with the Methodist Episcopal body, their membership extending over a period of fifty years, during which time the father h."s been one of the church officials. Politically he is a stanch Republican. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. With a keen appreciation of the advantages that an educated man possesses in America over one who is not so favored, our subject's father \\a< above all ambitious that his sons should have every advantage. Of these three are now living and all are highly educated and cultured men. John SI. is now Professor of German Literature in the Cen- tral Wesleyan College at Warrenton, Mo.; he has a pleasing and helpful companion in his wife, who was formerly Miss Lottie Nev: Edward II. is the leading physician in Bunker Hill and a graduate of the Medical College at St. Louis; he took to wife Miss Annie Koeuecke. Our subject was married in Missouri to Miss Julia B. Kessler: she was born in St. Louis County, Mo., November 2, 1858, and was carefully reared and educated in the public schools of that county, finishing at the Warrenton Central Wesleyan Col- lege. Her parents are Louis and Emma (Goldman) Kessler, who are well known and prominent people of that vicinity, where they were early settlers and are now regarded as pioneers. Dr. and Mrs. Rinkel are prominent young people of Brighton and are leaders in the society of the place. Both are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Chinch, of which our subject is Ihe Re- cording Secretary. The Doctor is a Republican in his political faith and was atone time a member of the Council of Brighton. /^)IDEON EORWOOD. The name at the (l( head of this sketch is that of one of the %3l( most substantial farmers of the township. His place is located on section 2. of Shipman Town- ship. It is conspicuous for the class of good buildings that it has, and also for the manner in which it is improved. He was born in the State of Delaware, September !4, 1833, in Newcastle County, Brandywine Hundred, where he was reared until he reached manhood's years. When he reached his majority, in company with three of his brothers he came to Illinois anil sealed in Ship- man Township, this county. On coming into this State, the four Eorwood brothers clubbed their resources and engaged in farming, first renting land. They continued in this way for about six years, afterward purchasing eighty acres, which they together cultivated until our subject was married, October 19, 1865, to Miss Melissa B. Armour. The lady was a native of Madison County, where she was born November 25. 1848. Her parents were John and Ann Eliza (Rhodes) Armour. Her paternal grandfather was William Armour, a native of Kentucky, and her grandmother. Elizabeth ( YVatkins) Armour, was also of Kentucky. Her paternal great-grandpar- ents came from Grey son County, Ky., to what is now Greene County. III., early in the '30s. They then removed to Madison County, and thence to Macoupin County, where they passed away from this life. Mr. and Mrs. Armour had seven sons and one daughter: John was the fifth of the family and his birth took place in Hart County. Ivy.. August 1, L820. He started out in life for himself when six- teen years of age, and for eight years was employed in making brick at Alton. 111. He was married to Ann Eliza Rhodes who was the eldest daughter of the late Jesse Rhodes. In IS I I they settled in Chesterfield Township, where they remained for two years, then removed to a few miles distant from St. Louis, where they lived from 1846 to 1849. John Armour was then persuaded to return to Chesterfield Township, where he has since been a resident. His wife died in June, 1887. After the marriage of our subject he settled in Chesterfield Township, where he remained for five years, and then located on section 2. of Shipman Township, where he has since been a resilient. Mr. and Mrs. Eorwood have been the parents of six chil- dren. They are: Virginia, George, Anna E., William G., < Iscar and Elmer ( ). Of these the eldest daughter died in infancy. George instituted his own home and fireside, making mistress of it Miss Maggie Rice. Anna E. became the wife of Hubert Hay- craft Oscar died in infancy. The gentleman of whom we write has made agri- culture his calling during the greater part of his life. His farm has good buildings that are kept in excellent condition. He is the fortunate owner 900 PORTRAIT AiSD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of three hundred as fertile and well cultivated acres as are in the county. In politics our subject is a Democrat. Roth he and Mrs. Forwood arc members of the Baptist Church, but are liberal in their views. ACOB M. RHOADS. This general farmer residing on section 7, Cahokia Township, is one of the most successful agriculturists and stock-raisers and lias one of the most de- lightful homes in the township. His residence is commodious and attractive and his slock are all of best breeds and in excellent condition. He lias lived here since February, 185!». and has made all the improvements which are lo be seen on Ins estate of one hundred and sixty acres. When our subject came to this county he had been living in Greene County for a number of years although he was born in Macoupin County, and lived here in childhood. His birth occurred Octo- ber 24, 1835, and his father, Richard Rhoads, was a native of Kentucky and a son of John Rhoads. who came with his wife and family to Illinois, when his son Richard was still a young man and unmarried. His first home was in Medora and be was the first settler of that place which is situated in Chester- field Township. It was there that John Rhoads died having reached a good old age ; he had been twice married but had no children by his second wife. He was sin exhorter in the Baptist Church with which his wives were also connected. Richard Rhoads grew to manhood upon the farm and was married in this county to Hulda Stout, a native of Ohio, who came of pioneer stock and was no doubt related to the frontier family of that name who suffered so much at the hands of the In- dians. Miss Stout had come to Illinois with her parents who settled in Greene County at an early day, and there these parents, Elisha and Margaret Stout, died after reaching the ages of sixty-five and seventy years respectively. They were Baptists in their church connection and devoted Christians in life and belief. The parents of our subject moved from point to point during their early married life but spent the greater number of years, especially in advanced life, in Greene County, where they were living when called from earth's activities. They were well- known throughout that county as pioneers of cour- age and endurance, and as devoted Christians and efficient members of the regular Baptist Church. Mr. Rhoads was a Whig in his political views. t luv subject is one of a large family and most of his boyhood days were spent in ( Jreene County. After he became of age he was married to Miss Eliza Ward, a native of Tennessee who was born January 12, 1835, and was but a young child when her parents William and Lucinda (Duncan) Ward moved from that State to Illinois about the year 1838. They were a couple of truly religous faith and life ami both died in middle life upon their f.iim in Greene County. Their daughter received every advantage which they were able to give her and was thoroughly equipped for the responsibil- ities of life and her work as a wife and mother. Siie is more than ordinarily devoted to her duties and efficient in their fulfillment and conscientiously trained her children throughout childhood and youth. The children of our Bubject are Alvin W. wdio married Mary Huddleston of DcWitt County, and assists his father in managing the home farm. Wil- liam M.. who took to wife Nettie Stanton and is farming in .Montgomery County; Lucy E. who is at home; Jasper M., who took to wife Mollie Cal- lenborn and lives in Missouri, and Lilla M. wife of John Mercer, a farmer in this township. Mr. Rhoads has Keen for some time both Steward and Trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he and his wife are connected. In his political belief he is in sympathy with the Democratic party and while he has never sought office he has ever taken an active interest in public affairs and served at one lime as Township Collector. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 901 flU. ARMoN G. TALLKY, a retired farmer living at Shipman, Macoupin County, was born January 20, L828, in that part of i lie ^g)) city of Wilmington. Del., then known as Brandywine village. His father, whose name was Isaac Grubb Talley,was born four miles from Wil- mington, Del., in Brsndywine Hundred, and waa a son of Harmon Talley, who was born in the same locality, his ancestors being among the first settlers of the State of Delaware. He resided near Wil- mington many years and tlien made an overland journey to Ohio, and became one of the early pio- neers of Muskingum County, where he resided until about 1850. In that year he came to Illinois and for a few years was a resident of ( >gle < lounty. He then came to this county and spent his last days at Piasa, Macoupin County, and was buried in Piasa Cemetery: his age was about eighty-six years. Isaac Grubb Talley, the father of our subject, passed his early life in the Slate of his nativity and was there married to Mary Simmons, who was also a native of Delaware. She died in 183:3 and was buried at the old Swede Church; she left two children — our subject and his brother John, a resi- dent of Wilmington, Del. Mr. Talley married a second time, Rachel Grubb becoming his wife; they had- one child, Rebecca J., who married Alonzo Baylus, a florist. In 1856 Mr. Talley left the home of his birth and came to Illinois with his family. He purchased a farm in Shipman Town- ship, near Piasa, which he sold at the expiration of four years, returning to Wilmington. Del.; he bought a residence there and spent the remainder of his life in the city. He died February 22. 1888, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years and wns buried at old Bethel Church in Brandywine Hun- dred. Harmon G. Talley, of whom this sketch is written, served live years in his youth to learn the trade of a blacksmith in the village of Centreville, Del. He actively engaged in that calling in his native State until 1850, and in that year he came to Illinois, pursuing the mosl convenient Western route at that time, which was by rail to Philadel- phia, thence by canal and rail to Pittsburg, and from there by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to . Alton. 111. He was a pioneer of the village of l'iasa. and opened the Bret blacksmith shop there, which he operated until alter the breaking out of the war. September 3, 1864 In' east aside his work to join the brave boys at the front and became a member of Company A. One Hundred and Forty- fourth Illinois Infantry, He joined his regiment at Alton and served with credit until after the war closed, being mustered out July 14, 1865. He proved to |io-,s,»s qualifications for responsible positions, and he was promoted from Corporal to be Sergeant of Provost Guard in February, 1865. After his discharge Mr. Talley returned to his home, and the following year turned his attention to farming a quarter-section of land that he had previously bought, that w:is advantageously located one mile east of l'iasa. He devoted himself as- siduously to the cultivation of his land for several years, and made many improvements that greatly increased the value of his farm. In 1887, having accumulated a comfortable competency, he left his sons in charge of bis homestead, and removed to Shipman. where he has a pleasant home. Harmon G. Talley has been twice married. In 1851 Miss Louisa Ann Hodges became his first wife. She was born near Woodburn, Macoupin County, III , coming of one of the old pioneer families of this State; she died on the home farm in 1879, and was buried in the Piasa Cemetery. She was the daughter of I.. W. and Mary Hodges, and had one brother, W. W. Hodges. Five chil- dren were born to her and our Bubject — Will- iam, Hatlie. Dora. Lulu and Harmon Grubb. William married Laura Kelsey. and Dora mar- ried W. U. Waggoner. Lulu married Elmer Carter. Our subject's second marriage, which took place in 1885, was with Mis. Mary (.Martin) Quick, a native of the State of New York. Mrs. Talley 's father's name was Scth Martin, a native of the Green Mountain Slate, as was his father also. The former early learned the trade of a blacksmith, and finally went from Vermont to Susquehanna County, Pa., where he followed that calling for a time prior to his removal to Woodhall, Steuben County. N. Y .. where he bought a farm, which be operated while he engaged in blacksmith- ing in addition, lie died in Michigan, near Sagi- 902 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, naw, in 1875. The maiden name of his wife was Lucinda Coleman. She was born in Vermont, and was a daughter of William and Hannah (Corse) Coleman. They were likewise of Vermont birth, hut they both died in the State of New York. Mrs. 'f alley was first married when she was eighteen years old to Royal W. Bennett, a native of the State of New York, and a son of Egbert and Ger- trude (Rackmire) Bennett. He was a blacksmith, and came to Illinois in 1859 to engage at his trade in Shipman, Macoupin County, 111., where he died in April, 1865 and was buried in Shipman Ceme- tery. Two children were born to Mrs. Talley of that marriage — Gertrude, now the wife of Silas Webster; and Jerome C, who married Sophia Har- ris. Mrs. Talley's second marriage was to Parker Quick, a native of Missouri, and a farmer by oc- cupation. He died at Shipman in 1873, and was also buried in Shipman Cemetery. Our subject has a good record as a soldier, as a citizen, and in all the relations of life that he has sustained towards others, and his neigebors and friends hold him in high esteem for his genuine worth. Politically, he is a sound Republican, and his faithfulness to his party was rewarded by the position of Postmaster at Piasa, whick he retained ten years. Religiously, both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. BIOG^pE^ICSfl'lL Aiia nis. Austin 675 Adams, K. M 828 Adams. Q. U Adums.G. W Adams, -T' ili 11 28 Adams. John Q 89 Adams, J. Q S7S Ahrens, John M " s Ahrens, 1'. 1" K9 Ahrens, Peter .1 *28 AUerson, B.K Alderson.W, C Allen, Andrew ♦'I' 1 AUen, Thomas B Alford.H.T UK AJlmood, K..T ,M. D «« Ames, Davis 862 Anderson. C. H. C 216 Anderson, M. M 261 Anderson, K. 1' 417 Anderson, William 581 Anderson, W. (' .5*5 Anderson, W. E.P 879 Arkebauer, Henry "" Arkebauer, Sleint 743 Arinsti g, C.C Arnett. George W > s! ' Arnett. J. 11 *5S Arthur, Chester A ■'• I Ash, John, M. H WO Atchison, James M 847 B Bacon, Bobert -'•'■"' Baird, William Baker, George 678 Baker. Benry Baldwin, J. B Intl Ball. Henry 751 Ball. Richard 699 Ballard, Wiley 718 Balliirger, Capt. Joseph I-'. ..S51 Bancroft . Erasl us Ml Barber, J. II '-" Barnes. K. K 771 Barnstable, K. u Hfi Barlels. William I i :'.l-' Bates. Min. Martha .... 101 i lharles F 823 Bauer, J. II Becbtel, E. A 200 Becker, J. Q S94 Becker, UF... 872 Beckner, Benjamin A Beeby, W.T Behme, Julius, Jr. • -' - BrMaui. E..M. D 168 Bell. Alexander 11 749 Bennett, John 293 Bernard, F 252 Beveridge, John I. 171 Bielbv. Thomas 7:17 Binney.J. P..M. I' :171 Bird, Joseph l"i Bissell, William H 151 Black, Charles 227 Bley.K. !•:.. M. D 612 Blocher, Eli V i. Daniel 248 Bleine. Fred L I .1 160 J'.on,l. Sha.lrael, ill Boosinger, George F .. Bowersox B I" - 1,; Bowersox, George W 875 Bown, II. I 5 I. Boyle. Arthur Braley, Ellison Bra ley. George 29G Brandenburger, John 540 Brinkman, Henrj Brjstow, W. T " :! Bronaugh.J. M 515 Brown Brown, George S Brown, J II Brown. Koberl Brown, S. .1 519 Brubaker, Jacob '--' Brubaker, Jonathan.... 509 tor, John Brubaker, Moses !'•* Bruce, W. II 719 Buchanan, Ja » 75 Bn.l.l.H.K W> Budd, William N 580 Bumann, Frederick BurgdorIT, W. K 759 Burton, F. W Uex BB1 C Cain, John T --"I Caldwell. H.J Campbell, C. C Capps, Caleb 857 Carlm, Thomas 18B Carling, William, Br.... Carrie,,. N Carler. A. !•' HO i '.,il. -i . A. S Carroll, T.J 517 (as,-. G 554 Cast .-el. Joseph M - > -- , » Hon. G -e.i 196 Challacombe,' X Chamberlain, W. II — Chamberlln, X Chapman, Maj. F. II — Chappell, Israel Chiles, Capt. James B 780 CI, lies. \V. M 812 ■ [in. William 687 Chlsm, William Clark. B.K Clark, George II 801 Henry 744 Joseph K 850 Randal -''77 Clark. Samuel 209 Clark, 8.B.... 584 Clemmons, J. B 701 Cleveland, s. Qrover Hti i lower, I. C. M >- Cogswell, C. 11 Ml Edward 115 C..lm an. W.G Combes, D.H •'■-" Samuel Converse, Jeremiah. c -,K. l< '*■- Corr.A.C, M D Corr, Mrs. I.. II.. K. Ii 787 C.ullas.T. F Cowan, K. B., M.D Oowen, Hon. Balfour Cox .i i Cramp. A MS Cran.lal. A 570 Cromwell, W. II Cromwell. Richard -hai IV li.M Crmii. A. .1 '.I" Cullom, Shelby >I 17:. Culp, W. N Cummlngs, < apt .1. F 835 D Dalby, J. W 707 hams. William David. A. **7 Hums, E. II ■ii. E Deahl.A Ik. Buhr, II 11 Deck L.C Delano, J. A., K. D -•■"' Denby, P.l Hews. William H Hey. KliulilT MM Dickerson.J. I'.. >l. H 4:11 Dickerson, Martm "'7.; Hillianl. Rev. i.nke 188 ln\. Charles I"! Dodfi loseph. 897 Done] . William M 801 Dowser, John 808 Drake, W.C Drennan, W. 91 Drew, G ge 728 Drippe.C.T . M. D Droke, James W Drury, Robert -•'•' Duckels, Henry c Duckels, Richard "' Dugger, Dred 278 Duncan, G. w MM INDEX. Dunt in, James N -'" il Duncan, John W -77 Duncan, Joseph 131 Easley, Mrs. M. A 131 Eddington, S. D. 'Is Edwards, C. M Edwards, Ninian 119 Eilers, Heye Eldred, A. H Kid red, E. B 300 Ellet, E. C, tt. D 267 Emmerson, William 506 England, Joseph ~ ; 7 England, Samuel HI English, L. N 28(1 Enos.H. M 899 Etter, Henry Etter, James Swing, William L. D 127 Fahrenkrog, H. L «! Fansler.E -lit; Ferguson, David 770 Ferguson, Henry is:: Felter, A .677 Fifer. Joseph W . 183 Fillmore, Millard 87 Fischer. ('. J. C.,M. L> '.'II Flood, Philip 668 F..M/.. H. I) 102 For* I. G 898 Forwood,0. C 2 37 Ford, Thomas 129 Foster, J. L 209 Francis, Charles ,'o-2 French, Augustus C 113 Frey. A (09 Friede, Frank B39 Fried man. E S7:l Fr> . William X 792 Fullington, J. A ii-2 Furber, James K »'-72 a Garfield, James \ 95 Garst, s.s 086 Gates, Frank W 1-21 Gates, W. I Gehrig, Frank SI] Gelder, F. A 36(1 Gelder, John 340 Gibbs, John C 622 Gibson, CO. -::i Gibson, James W ssii I iibsi m Rev. Ja> an 713 Gilbert, Hon. S. S Gilson, George 11.. M. L) 307 G Ii. D. w Ill G lell, Daniel D 123 i. Ihead g. I Goodwin, John 484 Gordy, George y in Gore, I n si" i losch, John 728 Gosch, Tl las -"'11 Grant, UlvssesS -7 Gray C. W 271 Graj . William 506 Grove, II. II "'I Groves, Sampson £31 (iulick, M.N !19 II Hackney, Joseph 11 154 Haggard, Johu 649 Hagler, .lames Q -2s-2 Hag ler John < I Hail. Enoch s:«; Hall. Mrs. S. .1 319 Hall. M. V 130 Hall. Samuel 7"s Halli.la.v, William 267 Hamilton, John M 17!> Hainner, James H Hankins, J. « .. M. D 532 Haushaw, C.T 010 Hanshaw, J II 516 Haushaw, J.M ii-2 Harlan, Rev 1.1 029 Harris, G. F. W 138 Harris. Si,ln.-> T 270 Han .482 Harrison. Ben jamin 107 Han ison, J. w 281 Harnsiin, William Henry.... ">! Harshbarger, Joseph w Hart,.). E 579 Hartke, I- w i;;i Hartwick, W. s 77s Hauschild, J m Haycraft, Rev. James J.... 151 Hayes, E. w U2 Hayes, Rutherford B m Hays, s, .1 .,j-, Head. M. H., M. I) 212 Heal. William 777 Hebenstreit, .1. P 712 Heidemann, C. w 155 Heinz. Peter 17-j Henderson, .1.1' ..:»:,7 Hensen. ('. E 804 Hess, i &p1 , I.. M -II II.i 1 1. k. J. B 060 Hettick, J. w n;,; Hettick, s. E IBS Hilyard, William :,:;o Hintz. Uharles II. A I .". Hint/.. Otto E :;7s Hochreitner, Mis. M no Hoecker, John I7'i' Hoecker, Peter 'ill Hoellmer, Henry 898 Hoffmann, Charles 632 Hollidaj . George r 389 Hoi Iowa, j ..ic s.-,i Hop on.S.T Tsi Horine, William II. II 648 II. .rushy, K. .1.. M. I>... . . .206 II. .it. .n, Robert 868 Hounsley, William 641 Howell. .1 850 Howser, 1>. X 600 Huber, Andrew 288 Huber, Anton 591 Huber. John 033 Huddleston, Daniel 7<:."i Hiiddleslun. K. W 5:ifl Huggins, Ma]. P. C 722 I K. 1 386 Imnieiiga, Henry .500 [ngold, Amos 195 [saaCS, Al.raiu 710 .lacks Andrew 43 Jackson, George .7:11 Jacoby i '. .1 .lariuau . Robert 28a Jefferson, Thomas '27 John, George W 813 Jobnssen, John F 512 Johnson, Andrew 83 Johnson, Jacob T 7.1 Johnson, Lewis 812 Johnston, D. II 677 Johnston, 1. X 791 Joiner, Mrs. M. A 7n-i .1 T. Solomon ... In.*. Joiner, William 859 .1 s. ii. A 299 .1 s, James ,396 Jones, John II" J s, I I ias.1 '272 .1. s. William 301 Jones, William M 342 K Kable. A. ti S71 Kablc.B. F 462 Kable, H. C . . ..867 B74 Kalil, F. K 552 . 132 Keiser. A. J .VIS Keiser, (.'. J -2'u K. •!>,■>. J, J ..((80 Kelsej , John 536 Kent , Perrin .... :tr»2 Keplinger, Peter ti-JT Kin. < !apt. Henry W :;17 Keune, F.C :i7i) KiJlam, George M 360 Killam, S. E.... .401 King, J.C sis Kitzmiller, D. M 506 Kit /miller. Rev. M. V ....449 Klauenberg, C. H :>7:> Klaus, George 628 Klein, .Jacob 1' 871 Knapp, John 764 Kch.T. H.... 74-2 Lancaster, Francis 339 Lancaster, John 7H8 Lauck, Philip 407 Lee, John A 696 Lee, Joseph 687 Lee, Samuel ..424 Lemons, Henry B14 Lincoln. Abraham 7'-' Lin. I. J. W 380 Link, J. Joseph, M. D .878 Lippoldt, J. G I4fi Liston. J, n ~U~ Loehr, J. V ."ils Loper, Mrs, Susan 567 Loreuz, Bernhard 138 Lorenz, Peter W 478 Lotter, Joseph i".;; Love. William iss Love, Samuel 742 Loveless, H. F B48 Loveless. J. 11 ill Loveless, s. L 504 Lowdermilk, .1 845 Lumpkin. J. W 60S Lyons. John 306 M M.niis, ,ii, James :il Mahan, Thomas 393 Mason. William 2JJ Masters, John B :'riri Matlack, C. 275 Matleson, Joel A. 117 Matthews, J. P., M. D.... 698 Maxfield, Mrs. S. J 593 M. .ihsior. A. H 666 MeClure, James A 639 Mel 'inn-. Mill.. n 7s:: McCurdy, A -2.".s McDonald, A -is McKnight, Col. S 7.V2 Mcatyard. E. B 321 Mecn.-n. H. O ">::7 Meineeke. Hi-lirv T 296 INDKX. Merrill, Frank --. Merrill, w illiam L' SB Mesalck, James I Hetcalf.T M 845 Miles, Ool.J. H 225 Mills.. I. m ms Mindrup, E. W Mitchell, Mrs. Hannah ..578 Mitchell, U..I...M. 1> 159 Mitchell, T. M l!iT Mitchell, w.T 661 Moehrman, Jacob 2 19 Moffett, A. C 329 Id i ■ Mil sry , John - M Montgomery, Joseph 7:'.:* Mouroe, Ja s 35 M '■. I'h as I! 4!i:! Moore, T. G 682 Morrell, John 1 727 Morris, A. E Morris, < leorge 783 Mul lis. ill. (i.-nl ^i- Morrison, Henry T'.n Morrison, James, ... 582 M.mnls, W. I. 658 Nail, Henry T 857 NVvins. James ' Nieman, John C 393 Nir yer, William Nifong.J. F 77:' Nighbert, S.A Noei.J. I i-7 Noel, J.Q II" () Oglesbj . Richard .1 ......Ml ■ i Neat, Brs. E. (' ftfl ONeil, Hem-} D 630 i Isterkamp, George i Istrop, Rei . F. \ 692 Paden.J. I' Pal r, John M 167 Parka, ft. B 383 Parker, li. E 527 Patchen.C.S 681 Patrick, John 599 Patterson, J.O S'5 o Pror. B. !•' -7;. Peck, Charles 171 on, James I' 617 -.1.. M 1-7 Penn, Capt. B. ll 7'"' Perrine, Daniel 717 Perrottel . .1 E I"" 1 Franklin '■ l'i. is. hi. Thomas Tic! .1 I Pohlmaim, i I.:u l.s ;,7i Polk, James K :.:i II Di Prange, II. .1 -i. si, ult/.. U 199 siiini.Mis I Siei R. i; Mil Ufred 594 Reder, IV. D ......521 Reineke, E 17 ; Reynolds, John 123 Rboads.C. C 729 D. W Rhoads.J.M Rice Rev. S. f 608 Richardson, E E. W 589 Ridgley, Richard m • F. R 790 is Riukel.J. P., M, I> Ripley, J.R Rives, 17 Scwall, George II SO Shirlej R. I; Silslu . 11. E Sloinan, John 137 .i ii Smith, Charles E . M. li ....5M Smith. C. W --I Smith, ' 600 Smith, G. v Smith, George W Smith, N. |{j 667 Smith, Vincenl 621 Smith, William M 226 Snedekei .l.s 748 Sneeringer, I . .7;s Uuy A 77:i Snel), II 619 Solon , A. W 552 in, C. J 194 Solomon, 1>. N 620 M 7»il Solomon, John I. 289 Spangenberg, T. 1 886 Stead, David Steidley, F 238 Steidley, Mrs C. M 202 Steidlej . Samuel R <-"•" Steward, William ..647 Stiver, Re\ . s. 1 782 William si,,,/.. Fred G 784 Stratmann, E 222 Stutsman, H.R .Ml Stutzman, S. W Siirman. William 7-'t Swenk. U Switzer.C. W Taggart, E ;.'7 Tall,-.. 11. li '-Mil Taylor, James 5>8 William E 193 Taylor, Zacharj Teaney, E. A.C T. .1 840 Thacker, L.S Thacker.T. W 338 i . .I.ilin « 676 Thacker, Zacbaria h -171 l le.Claus 519 Thomas. M., H. D 287 Tl i|is,.ii. Alexander •"! Thompson, -l.s -7-J l'i, is., i i.e. W 823 irl Fa mes I. Tompkins, li. i; >H Tongate, Elias :n Towse, Charles 346 Towse, linn. W. A . ...360 Trlble, Samuel, H. 1' 278 Ti I. William \ . M. 1> 751 Tucker, James H Tucker. R 814 Turner, rhomi J Twltchell, R. 1 Twitchell, s. I Tyler, John 55 U Uchtmann, W. F 529 Older, C. H 771 :■- 17 Vanorsdal, Thomas . .. 621 Varble, Mrs. Rebecca, . Virden, Mrs. II. E . ... 176 w Waggoner, J. E w i-n.-i J D 802 Walker, Hon. Charles A sin; Walker, James 185 Wall John A 7ii u ii, i ' iwen 591 Washington, <: "ge in Waters, Rev. /. 892 A ay. George B 782 Weidner.F. E ■ ;i Weidner, J. G 882 Westermeier, < '....li' Westrope, Mil 516 Weyen, W. II 942 Wheeler, C 116 wi ler, John 129 u i,. , ler, William 652 Whltelej . Robert 246 Whitfield, w. ll 520 Whittler, II. E 603 Willi. mis, hi, . I,, tin 679 Willi;, ins,,,,. W. W SH7 Wilson, Hon. J. II 336 Wilson, James 189 Winter, F -77 Wirt, James 330 Witl.D.E li w i. James E 863 w I, John i,v, w I.. I. I i;is w, H ,ii. Samuel 717 Wo idward.S. s Wooltej ,C, A 732 Womack, John .1 Yates, Richard 159 York, .'ami's W 'MZi /immriiiiami. !•'. W. /.iiiImiiis.'m. Ret . \. . m INDEX. -§~»-H3*£HbM- — Adams G M 82C Adams, G. W 816 Adams. .Tolm 22 Adams* John *^ 38 Adams, A 674 Ahrons, 1'. K 548 Anderson, C. H.C 214 Anderson, W. C 541 Arthur, Chester \ 98 Bacon, Kobert 291 Beveridge, John L 170 Binnej , Dr. John P 370 Bird. Joseph 190 Bissell, William H 15(1 Ural. '.v. Ellis,, ii ;illl Bond. Shadrach 110 Bronaugh, J. M 51 1 Br,,\vn . George S r. A. C 760 Corr, Mrs. L.H 786 Cleveland, s. Grover 102 Coles, Edward Ill Co wen, Hon. B 234 Uullom, Shelby U 17 1 Delano, John L,M D ... ..2:>l Denby, P. 1. 524 Dix, Charles l>" l)nii, -an. Joseph 180 Ed wards, Ninian 118 Eldred, A. H (i54 Ewing, William L. >> .128 Fifer, Joseph W is-.' Fillmore, Millard I'fi Ford, Thomas 138 French, Augustus C. . . 11- GarOeld, J. A HI Grant, V. S Hamilton, John M 17s Harrison. Benjamin 100 Harrison, W. H 5fl Hayes, K. B !io Henderson, J. P 55C Huddleston, Daniel 7nl Huddlestun, R. W :,:;i Jackson, Andrew 42 Jarman, Rober! 284 Jefferson, Thomas 21', Johnson, Andrew 82 Joiner, Solomon 401 K,is,-i , i '. .1 264 Eeplinger, Peter 828 Kerr, ('apt. Henry W 316 Kitzmlller, Rev. M. V 448 Lancaster, F 338 Lineoln, Abraham 78 Liston, .1. it 798 Loper, A. W 568 Loveless, J. H 360 .Ma, 1 1 son. James :(o Mahan. Thomas 392 Mat lack. I.'. 1) 274 Matteson, Joel A 148 Miles, Col. J. R 221 Mills,.!. M •;t4 Mitchell, Dr. K..1 458 Monroe, James 34 Mo, re, Thomas K 492 Morrcll, John 1. 726 Nevins, James 502 Oglesby, Richard J 162 Palmer. John M 168 Parke, A. B 382 Pearson, J. P 818 Peebles, L. M 436 Perrine, Daniel 718 Pierce, Franklin 70 Polk, J. K 58 Prange, H 606 Reynolds, John 122 Rowel t. Gen. Richard 204 Sawyer, S. B 881 Slonian. John 138 Taggart, F 326 Taylor, Zacbary 82 Th acker, Z 470 Tyler, John 54 Van Buren, Martin 48 Washington, George 13 Wheeler, Columbus 414 Whiteley, Robert 24 1 Wood, John 154 Yates, Richard 158 Alderson, W. C 331 Ballard. Wiley 709 Barnes. R. K 775 Beekner, B. A 809 Bielby , Thomas 735 Clark, Henry 71.", Clower, 1.. C. M 7s;i Coultas.T. F 463 Eddington.S. 1' 549 Emmet-son , William ."<< 17 England. Samuel 70S* Gates. Frank w 4 1;> Gehrig, Frank 80H Goodwill, John. , , .. .Is.", Gray, William 507 Hagler, John G 353 Hall, Samuel 709 Hartwick, w. s 775 Hausehild. J 3117 Ileal, William 775 Hoecker, Peter 309 Jackson, George 735 Johnston, 1. N 789 Jones, James 397 Jones, John 411 Kable, B. F 18:1 Kahl, F. R 549 Kent , Pemn 353 Noel, J. L 485 Noel, J. Q 441 Sanders, H. (' 419 Scheurer, Philip 375 St. Joseph Catholic Church. .8!i:( Turner, Thomas J 375 Wirt, James 331 Wood . Samuel 745 Zimmeruiann, F. \V 309 j'\'.i: ..